James Gandolfini's death at 51-years-old hit the industry like a ton of bricks on Wednesday.
"The Sopranos" star died while on vacation in Rome, an HBO spokeswoman confirmed to TheWrap. Cause of death hasn't been confirmed, though reports have said he died of possible heart attack.
HBO released the following statement:
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, 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.
See video: 10 of Tony Soprano's Most Memorable Moments
"Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply," the actor's managers, Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, said in a joint statement. "He and his family were part of our family for many years and we are all grieving."
Gandolfini had recently filmed "Criminal Justice" for HBO, which had received a limited series order.
He had won three Emmys, three Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe for the HBO mob series, in which he played Tony Soprano, a beleaguered mob boss with mom issues. The burly actor specialized in playing brusque, intimidating guy's guys whose big frames concealed generous hearts.
Hollywood poured its condolences out on Twitter. Here's a sample of the reactions.
James Gandolfini. You created an icon. And you cut to black way too abruptly. Thank you, and rest in peace.
– Damon Lindelof (@DamonLindelof) 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
Arrivederci, James Gandolfini. You were one of the great greats. We'll miss your dangerous, big heart. #RIPGandolfini
– RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) June 19, 2013
James Gandolfini played one of the greatest anti-heroes in TV history to perfection. I'm forever a fan. #RIP
– Rich Eisen (@richeisen) June 19, 2013
I met Gandolfini once after he saw me in a play and his describing a gesture I did on stage is one of my most cherished compliments ever.
– James Urbaniak (@JamesUrbaniak) June 19, 2013
I'm truly heartbroken to hear that James Gandolfini has passed away. He is one of my all time favorite actors. Tragic loss.
– Jonah Hill (@JonahHill) June 19, 2013
James Gandolfini was a terrific actor. This is awful news.
– Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) June 19, 2013
RIP James Gandolfini…51 yrs old. So sad.
– Wayne Brady (@waynebrady) June 19, 2013
R.I.P James Gandolfini. One hell of an actor.
– Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) June 19, 2013
RIP James Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I've ever met
– John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) June 20, 2013
Jim Gandolfini was my friend. I saw him Friday. When I went to shake his hand & wish him a good trip, he gave me a big hug. I'll miss him.
– Pat Healy (@Pat_Healy) June 20, 2013
RIP James Gandolfini.
– Josh Elliott (@JoshElliottABC) June 20, 2013
Jesus. The world just lost one of its great actors. James Gandolfini has passed away. Thoughts to his family. Such a talent. I'm saddened.
– Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) June 20, 2013
James Gandolfini on "Inside The Actors Studio": one of the most inspiring interviews about acting I have ever seen. http://t.co/mNeUqzw8E6
– B.J. Novak (@bjnovak) June 20, 2013
Just heard TV icon James Gandolfini has died. I'm shocked. I'm sad. I loved his work. My heart goes out to his family.
– Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) June 20, 2013
James Gandolfini has died. http://t.co/gLnmml57fU He was a strong supporter of this breast cancer research charity. http://t.co/47uARR5m4o
– Xeni Jardin (@xeni) June 20, 2013
I wish this wasn't true but, sadly it is. James Gandolfini has died. Four horrible words for so many of us! There's a hole in the universe!
– Dennis Haskins (@mrbelding) June 20, 2013
R.I.P James Gandolfini. My prayers to his family and friends. He will certainly be missed by us who loved watching him
– Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) June 20, 2013
Gandolfini's Tony Soprano was one of the most nuanced, layered gangsters ever caught on film. His acting and Matt Weiner's words were magic
– Al Roker (@alroker) June 20, 2013
James Gandolfini. This is a tremendous loss. A brilliant actor and a wonderful man. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Devastating.
– Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) June 20, 2013
So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I’ve ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family.
– Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) June 20, 2013
Heartbreaking news about James Gandolfini… Shocking. HUGE loss. Kind, humble, and a Singular Talent. Rest in Peace.
– Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) June 20, 2013
Thoughts and prayers go out to James Gandolfini's family. Just so f**cked.
– Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) June 20, 2013
awful awful news. James Gandolfini will be missed. He was a great actor. Just great.
– mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) June 20, 2013