Actor James Gandolfini died yesterday in Italy, according to multiple sources. He was 51. The cause is rumored to be a heart attack but no details have been confirmed. The actor was in Italy for the 59th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily, where he was set to join director Gabriele Muccino for a festival event.
Though best known for his iconic portrayal of 'Tony Soprano' beginning in 1999, a role for which he won three Emmy Awards, the actor had a successful career on the Broadway stage, most recently starring in God of Carnage for which he was Tony-nominated in 2009. He reprised the role in 2011 in Los Angeles. He also appeared in On the Waterfront and made his Broadway debut with
Jessica Lange and
Alec Baldwin in A Streetcar Named Desire.
Many Broadway stars turned to Twitter yesterday to express their sorrow over the shocking news of his death.
Jeff Daniels, (who co-starred with the actor in God of Carnage): "If Broadway has a version of a guy you want in your foxhole, Jim Gandolfini was mine. During our time together in God of Carnage, we played 320 performances together. He didn't miss one. Sadly, I now miss him like a brother."
Kristin Chenoweth: "NO. Not
James Gandolfini. He was in my top 5 favorite actors EVER. "
Christina Applegate: "I am so deeply saddened by the untimely passing of sweet
James Gandolfini! My heart is broken for his family!! I'm in shock"
Bette Midler: "The great
James Gandolfini passed away today. Only 51. I can't believe it."
Ed Asner: 'Thoughts and prayers go out to
James Gandolfini's family. Just so f***ked.'
Patrick Wilson: 'R.I.P.
James Gandolfini. So awful. What a fantastic actor...so much to say but I can't even process. My condolences to his family.'
Lea Michelle: 'Such sad news about
James Gandolfini... What an incredible actor... My thoughts are with his family.'
Susan Sarandon: "So sad to lose
James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I've ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family."
'Smash' star
Debra Messing: 'Heartbreaking news about
James Gandolfini... Shocking. HUGE loss. Kind, humble, and a Singular Talent. Rest in Peace.'
Robin Williams: 'My thoughts and prayers go out to
James Gandolfini's family. An extraordinary actor. RIP, Mr. Gandolfini.'
Jesse Tyler Ferguson: 'Could not be more heart broken. RIP
James Gandolfini.'
Zachary Quinto: '
James Gandolfini gone too soon and sorely missed already. rest in peace.'
Samuel L. Jackson: 'Massive blow to the acting community today... The passing of James Gandolfini. So talented. My heart goes out to his family!'
Source
Dailymail.co
