Tributes to beloved actor James Gandolfini began pouring in as soon as news broke of his sudden death at the age of 51. Many of Gandolfini’s colleagues, including his Sopranos co-stars, released statements or expressed their grief on social media. See some of the tributes below.
“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.” – HBO
"I am shocked and devastated by Jim's passing. He was a man of tremendous depth and sensitivity, with a kindness and generosity beyond words. I consider myself very lucky to have spent 10 years as his close colleague. My heart goes out to his family. As those of us in his pretend one hold on to the memories of our intense and beautiful time together. The love between Tony and Carmela was one of the greatest I've ever known." – Edie Falco
"Jimmy treated us all like family with a generosity, loyalty and compassion that is rare in this world.. Working with him was a pleasure and a privilege. I will be forever grateful having had a friend the likes of Jimmy." - Michael Imperioli
"I have lost a brother and a best friend. The world has lost one of the greatest actors of all time. Maureen and I send our deepest sympathy and love to Deborah, Michael, Lily, and all of Jimmy's family." - Stevie Van Zandt
"Jimmy was a dear friend and like a brother to me. He was a great actor and a great father. I will miss him terribly. I am very sad." - Steven Schirripa
"James is one guy who never turned his back on me. He was the most humble and gifted actor and person I have ever worked with, “He was a great man and I will forever be indebted to him.” - Joseph R. Gannascoli
Unbelievably sad news. A fine man.” - Steve Carell
“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
"I did a play with James Gandolfini 24 years ago in a basement under a bar in the west village. I'm pretty sure it was one of his very first acting jobs. The year I was first elected SAG prez he threw me in the air at the awards party. "My God I will miss that man. He was so loving and talented and funny. He lived a huge life. The wind is knocked out of me." – Melissa Gilbert
"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
“RIP James Gandolfini! Your iconic portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano gave soul to a monster and fostered perverse pride in the Garden State.” – Kevin Smith
Gandolfini is survived by his wife Deborah Lin and their 9-month-old daughter, as well as his 13-year-old son Michael from his previous marriage to Marcy Wudarski.
Read more about Gandolfini’s death
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