During a conversation related to Violet & Daisy I got to talking about how good James Gandolfini was in it and simply how great he seems to be in just about everything he does. Recently that would include Killing Them Softly, Zero Dark Thirty, In the Loop and the fact he was the best thing in David Chase’s little seen Not Fade Away.
As it turns out, his greatness will have to live on in our memories as the man most commonly known for his leading role in HBO’s “The Sopranos” has passed away today at the age of 51.
Reports are conflicting on the cause of death with some outlets saying it was a heart attack and others saying it was a stroke, but HBO has confirmed Gandolfini died today in Italy where he was set to attend the 59th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily and was scheduled to participate in an event this weekend with Italian director Gabriele Muccino (via).
HBO’s statement read, “We’re all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was special man, a great talent, a gentle and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title/position with equal respect. He touched so many of us over the years with his humor, his warmth and his humility. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Gandolfini’s work in film is not yet done as he already completed filming an untitled project for Nicole Holofcener and will be seen opposite Tom Hardy in Animal Rescue for Michaël R. Roskam (Bullhead).
Gone too soon. He will be missed. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Lin, and son, Michael.
https://twitter.com/damonlindelof/status/347502643964428289
James Gandolfini was a lovely man and a huge talent. RIP.
— Richard Kelly (@JRichardKelly) June 19, 2013
Farewell to the great American actor James Gandolfini. I was a huge fan. My condolences to his family and his many fans.
— Wes Craven (@wescraven) June 19, 2013
https://twitter.com/Jeff_Daniels/status/347503243464671232
Arrivederci, James Gandolfini. You were one of the great greats. We'll miss your dangerous, big heart. #RIPGandolfini
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) June 19, 2013
https://twitter.com/JonahHill/status/347502083915796481
RIP James Gandolfini. Tony Soprano is one of the most memorable characters in American fiction.
— Richard Roeper (@richardroeper) June 19, 2013
James Gandolfini was a kind, funny, wonderful guy. I'm so lucky to have worked with him. Sending love to his family. Such a sad, sad day.
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) June 19, 2013
RIP James Gandolfini! Your iconic portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano gave soul to a monster and fostered perverse pride in the Garden State!
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) June 19, 2013
James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man.
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) June 20, 2013
