'The Sopranos' Star James Gandolfini Dead at 51

Actor James Gandolfini, best known for his portrayl of mob boss Tony Soprano in The Sopranos has died. He was 51.

HBO confirmed to Mashable on Wednesday that Gandolfini died while vacationing in Rome, Italy. Reports suggest the cause was a possible heart attack.

"We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He 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," the network wrote in an emailed statement.

"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."

Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, Gandolfini's managers, also expressed their sadness.

"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."

Gandolfini garnered widespread acclaim and three Emmy awards for his turn as the mercurial head of the Sopranos family. The HBO drama aired for eight years, from 1999 to 2007.

In 2004, Gandolfini appeared on Inside the Actors Studio to discuss his career:

More recently, Gandolfini appeared in Zero Dark Thirty, a Best Picture nominee at this year's Academy Awards, and Killing Them Softly.

Fans and celebrities alike mourned the actor's death on Twitter.

I think we all need an appointment with Dr. Melfi right now.

— Kathleen Schmidt (@Bookgirl96) June 20, 2013

gutted James Gandolfini has died. Fantastic actor and family man, he didn't play Tony Soprano, he WAS Tony Soprano #restinpiece

— Josh Fairhurst (@JoshFairhurst9) June 20, 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

So sad to hear about James Gandolfini. RIP

— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) June 19, 2013

I'm in utter shock...R.I.P. James Gandolfini

— Harry Shum Jr (@iharryshum) June 19, 2013

James Gandolfini RIP. xo

— Johnny Knoxville (@realjknoxville) June 19, 2013

"Good writing will bring you to places you don't even expect sometimes." R.I.P James Gandolfini

— Nina Garcia (@ninagarcia) June 19, 2013

James Gandolfini. So sad. What a great actor. Just saw Killing Them Softly. Didn't know the man. But I wish I did.

— Jared Followill (@youngfollowill) June 19, 2013

So saddened by news of James Gandolfini's death. What talent. He shall be missed.

— Will Arnett™ (@arnettwill) June 20, 2013

James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man.

— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) June 20, 2013

RIP James Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I've ever met

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) June 20, 2013

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Image via Getty Images/Angela Weiss