James Gandolfini Dead at 51

James Gandolfini, best known for his portrayal of Tony Soprano in HBO’s legendary series “The Sopranos,” died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51.

In a statement, HBO, and Gandolfini’s managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, said he died Wednesday while vacationing in Rome. His cause of death is being reported as a heart attack.

“Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply. He and his family were part of our family for many years and we are all grieving,” said Armstrong and Sanders.

HBO called Gandolfini 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.”

Gandolfini won three Emmys for his portrayal of Tony Soprano.

Source: cbsnews.com