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James Gandolfini – The Actor Behind Tony Soprano – Dies At 51

20 June 2013 | 10:53 am | Staff Writer

The actor has reportedly passed away while on vacation in Italy.

The show business world in in mourning today as news surfaces of the passing of actor James Gandolfini while on holiday in Italy. It is suspected the 51-year-old actor suffered from a major heart attack while in Rome.

Gandolfini is best known for his devastating portrayal as mob boss Tony Soprano on hit television series The Sopranos from 1999 through to 2007.

While the Soprano character will always be how is remembered best, Gandolfini's roles in recent films like this year's war drama Zero Dark Thirty and 2009's UK political comedy In The Loop were widely acclaimed, while earlier roles in films like 1993's True Romance and 1995's Get Shorty are some of the actor's finest earlier roles.

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He was also a renowned stage actor, most recently showing his skills on that medium in 2009's God Of Carnage.

He is survived by his wife, former model Deborah Lin, his 13-year-old son Michael and his nine-month –old daughter Liliana Ruth.

HBO offered the following statement after news of his death was confirmed.

"We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. James Gandolfini was a special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title or position with equal respect. He touched so many of us over the years with his humor, his warmth and his humility. Our hearts go out to his wife and children during this terrible time. He will be deeply missed by all of us."