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James Gandolfini, ‘Sopranos’ Star, Dead at 51 (Video)

James Gandolfini, who helped usher in a new golden era of television in his Emmy-winning role as Tony Soprano on HBO's "The Sopranos," died suddenly in Rome of a possible heart attack. He was 51.

A spokeswoman for the cable network said that Gandolfini was on holiday in Italy, and provided the apparent cause of death.

"He was a genius. Anyone who saw him even in the smallest of his performances knows that," "Sopranos" creator David Chase said in a statement. "He is one of the greatest actors of this or any time. A great deal of that genius resided in those sad eyes. I remember telling him many times, 'You don't get it. You're like Mozart.' There would be silence at the other end of the phone."

Also read: James Gandolfini Death: Hollywood Reacts to 'The Sopranos' Star's Passing

"We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family," HBO said in a statement. "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."

Gandolfini won three Emmys for anchoring "The Sopranos," which changed TV with novelistic, nuanced writing that invited us to root for the bad guy. Tony Soprano, a beleaguered mob boss with mom issues, was one of many brusque, intimidating Gandolfini characters whose big frames concealed often generous hearts. 

It is impossible to overstate the show's impact on recent television dramas, or Gandolfini's role in its success.

Only his charm made it possible for us to stay with Tony as he betrayed and murdered those he loved most. Lugging us along on an empathy crash course, Gandolfini asked us to understand Tony without necessarily liking him.

In spite of ourselves, we usually did both.

Also read: James Gandolfini Death: 10 of Tony Soprano's Most Memorable Moments (Videos)

Gandolfini had recently filmed "Criminal Justice" for HBO, which had received a limited series order. Among his breakthrough roles was playing a fake-friendly wiseguy in "True Romance." He also showed his gentle side in "Where the Wild Things Are," playing wild thing Carol as a depressed middle-aged malcontent, and last year portrayed former CIA director Leon Panetta in "Zero Dark Thirty."

But he will always be best known as Tony. "The Sopranos," widely cited as one of the best shows in the history of television, opened the door for similarly daring series including HBO's "The Wire," AMC's "Mad Men" -- created by "Sopranos" alum Matthew Weiner -- and AMC's "Breaking Bad," which also features a criminal protagonist. "The Sopranos" also influenced HBO's "Boardwalk Empire," from "Sopranos" veteran Terence Winter.

One could make a convincing case, in fact, that it has influenced every scripted series since its 1999 debut, by creating a culture in which showrunners like Chase have as much control over their shows as directors have over their films.

Born in Westwood, N.J. on September 18, 1961, Gandolfini performed in the 1992 Broadway production of "On the Waterfront" prior to the 1999 premiere of "The Sopranos."

Following the wrap of "The Sopranos" in 2007, Gandolfini took on a number of big-screen roles in films such as the 2009 remake of "The Taking of Pelham 123," and "Welcome to the Rileys." He also displayed his comedic chops this year in "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone." 

Also read: Notable Hollywood Deaths of 2013

Recently, Gandolfini had turned his attention back to television with a series of projects for HBO, including an adaptation of the book "Big Dead Place," about workers on the U.S. Antarctic Program.

Gandolfini understood how much the "Sopranos" meant to so many people, but responded to their praise with self-effacing sense of humor and humility.

"I can't really explain this except I think the Academy has an affinity for slightly overweight bald men," he said after winning his first Emmy in 2000. He had beaten Dennis Franz, a four-time winner in their category, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Franz had played a deeply flawed cop on "NYPD Blue," but Gandolfini's character was even more damaged: a murderer and serial philanderer who also aspired to be a dutiful son, loving husband and generous father.

The show looked frankly at the fragility of life and death, including in a still-debated final scene in which Tony happily ate with his family, before an abrupt cut to black.

Hollywood was stunned by Gandolfini's passing.

"It is with immense sorrow that we report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome, Italy. Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply," said  Gandolfini's managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders. "He and his family were part of our family for many years and we are all grieving." 

Said Albert Brooks: "R.I.P James Gandolfini. One hell of an actor."

"For Deborah and Michael and Liliana this is crushing," Chase said of Gandolfini's family. "And it's bad for the rest of the world. He wasn't easy sometimes. But he was my partner, he was my brother in ways I can't explain and never will be able to explain."

James Gandolfini’s Last Director on His Death: ‘I Wanted to Make Him Proud’

James Gandolfini's final film will be Fox Searchlight's crime drama "Animal Rescue," starring Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace.

The film's director Michael Roskam offered this statement to TheWrap regarding Gandolfini's tragic death:

"It was such an honor to work with Mr Gandolfini and nothing but a pleasure to see him perform. He was one of the greatest. I'm so sad and thinking about his family. I wanted to make him proud with the movie we made together and now it will be in his loving memory."

See photos: James Gandolfini's Most Memorable Roles

Gandolfini played the owner of a bar that Hardy's character worked at. Enter a pit bull and a romance sparks between Hardy's character and Rapace's character.

Written by Dennis Lehane ("Shutter Island," "Mystic River"), the film is slated for a 2014 release.

The 51-year-old actor died while on vacation in Rome, Italy of a possible heart attack, an HBO spokesperson confirmed to TheWrap.

In addition to "Animal Rescue," Gandolfini has another movie slated to release in the next year, the untitled project from director Nicole Holofcener.

"I'm so heartbroken and shocked," Holofcener told TheWrap. "I'm honored to have known him and worked with him. He was wonderful."

He also just finished shooting a new HBO limited series, "Criminal Justice."

James Gandolfini Death: Hollywood Reacts to ‘The Sopranos’ Star’s Passing (Video)

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

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James Gandolfini Death: 10 of Tony Soprano’s Most Memorable Moments (Videos)

James Gandolfini died Wednesday at age 51, of a possible heart attack, an HBO rep confirmed to TheWrap.

Gandolfini played many memorable characters on TV and in film, but arguably no role is more memorable than his portrayal of the iconic Tony Soprano, the patriarch of HBO's "The Sopranos."

"The Sopranos" ran from 1999 to 2007. In his lead role as crime boss, Tony Soprano, Gandolfini won both the Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series and Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series three times. Gandolfini also won a Golden Globe for best performance by an actor in a dramatic TV series.

Also read: James Gandolfini, 'Sopranos' Star, Dead at 51

Watch some of Gandolfini's most memorable moments as gangster and family man, Tony Soprano:

Tony Soprano shows he's still the boss.

Tony meets Meadow's boyfriend.

Tony kills Ralph Cifaretto.

Tony's speech to the Family.

Tony talks about John Gotti.

Tony comes bearing gifts.

The final scene.

Tony says goodbye to Uncle Junior.

Tony ends it for Christopher.

Tony in therapy.

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James Gandolfini Dead At 51

If you just heard someone screaming, “What the fuck!?“, that was me after reading that James Gandolfini died suddenly in Italy today. Deadline, CNN and TMZ says that James was in Sicily for the 59th Taormina Film Festival and he was supposed to make an appearance this weekend. It hasn’t been confirmed what he died from, [...]

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Netflix Renews ‘Hemlock Grove’ for Season 2

Netflix has renewed its supernatural drama, "Hemlock Grove," for a 10-episode second season slated to go into production later this year and return in 2014.

Additionally, the streaming video site has hired a new executive producer and showrunner, Charles Eglee ("The Walking Dead," "Dexter," "The Shield").

"The worldwide fan response to 'Hemlock Grove' was phenomenal" said executive producer Eli Roth.

"Netflix members loved the potent combination of sexy monsters, mystery, and the dark family soap opera that ended with a huge twist, leaving audiences worldwide totally shocked. Season 1 was just a warm up for what we have in store for Season 2. Get ready to be scared in ways you never expected."

"Hemlock Grove" was Netflix's third original series. Based on the novel of the same name by Brian McGreevy, who developed the series with Lee Shipman, it followed the mysteries surrounding violent deaths in a small Pennsylvania town.

The series stars Famke Janssen ("X-Men"), Bill Skarsgård ("Simon & The Oaks"), Landon Liboiron ("Terra Nova"), Freya Tingley ("X"), and Dougray Scott ("Mission Impossible II").

"In its first season, Eli, Brian, Lee and the team did an incredible job of introducing viewers to a unique world of memorable characters," said Netflix's vice president of original content, Cindy Holland.

"Chic's addition to the show, and his experience on such fan favorites as 'The Shield,' 'The Walking Dead' and 'Dexter," will heighten the intensity of the mystery that grips Hemlock Grove."

"We are thrilled to be working with Netflix on the second season of 'Hemlock Grove,' a show that the audience has enthusiastically embraced," said producer Gaumont International Television's CEO, Katie O'Connell.

James Gandolfini Dies of Heart Attack; The Sopranos Star Was 51

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R.I.P. James Gandolfini

BREAKING… Refresh for latest: Actor James Gandolfini died suddenly after a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Rome to attend the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily. He was 51. Gandolfini will be forever known for his portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano on the seminal HBO series The Sopranos, which eventually won him 3 Emmy Awards and a $1,000,000-an-episode paycheck. Overweight, balding, rough around the edges with a thick New Jersey accent, Gandolfini was the opposite of a marquee leading man, destined to be a character actor. Yet he proved through his masterful acting that he could make Tony Soprano sexy and smart, towering and powerful. Chris Albrecht who greenlighted the crime family saga at HBO in 1999 and approved Gandolfini in the role, just emailed Deadline: “Absolutely stunned. I got the word from Lorraine Bracco and just got off with Brad Grey who had just heard from David Chase. We had all become a family. This is a tremendous loss.” (Grey was the executive producer and Chase the creator of The Sopranos.) And Gandolfini’s managers confirmed the actor’s death. “It is with immense sorrow that we report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome, Italy,’ said Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders. ”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.” David ... Read More »

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