James Gandolfini of Sopranos Fame has died.

[Cheshire Cat]

This is sad and unexpected news.  I really liked this gentleman and actor. It is reported that he suffered a fatal heart attack.  RIP


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/19/james-gandolfini-dead_n_3468861.html

[JayBird]

So sad, and at 51 not old by any means.  Most well known for the Sopranos he also starred in many other movies and I was never disappointed.  Apparently it was during a trip to Italy, so hopefully he was enjoying himself and it was sudden.  Though a different type of humor, he reminds me a lot of John Candy.  Obesity pundits are already waving his name in the "look what will happen if you don't shop at Whole Foods" manners but I never thought of him as obese.  I know marathon runners that suffered fatal heart attacks pre-60 years old. 

Extremely talented, diversely knowledgeable on many educational topics and politics, and just a good person in his off screen contributions.  Rest in Peace Mr. Soprano.

[Ernest Street]

Yea he did live Large..the Craft Service's on the set of Soprano's probably shamed anything found around here.
Most of the cast was actually from Italy,Jersey, or New York City.(Brooklyn)
I love the Gay Hit Man he Played in that movie I can't remember the name of..
R.I.P James ..both of your parent's were born in Italy and you were a New Jersey Treasure. (The Governor agrees)

[BridgeTroll]

Tony Soprano was one of my favorite characters... very sad.  Was always hoping for a Sopranos movie...

[billy]

Yea he did live Large..the Craft Service's on the set of Soprano's probably shamed anything found around here.
Most of the cast was actually from Italy,Jersey, or New York City.(Brooklyn)
I love the Gay Hit Man he Played in that movie I can't remember the name of..
R.I.P James ..both of your parent's were born in Italy and you were a New Jersey Treasure. (The Governor agrees)

The Mexican.

[jcjohnpaint]

Strange, but I was thinking about him the other day.  I am in Rome right now and was in Naples last week.  The Soprano's family had fictional roots in Naples.  Terrible news to hear.  I really think he was one of the most talented actors of our time. 

[David]

It is a bummer. I was already in the midst of rewatching the Sopranos series. It's reaching iconic classic status in my opinion. his other roles were great too. Authentic. I thought we'd get a few more decades out of him.

Here's a picture of him visiting Casa Dora's downtown.  He was a regular there when he was in town filming for lonley hearts

[avonjax]

My only near encounter with Mr Gandolfini was in, I think, 2005 when he was in Jacksonville filming Lonely Hearts with John Travolta. I was driving down Park street on my way home from work when I saw the film crew at a house on the corner. (Sorry can't remember corner but the house is still there of course.)  I went home and told my neighbor that they were filming some scenes from the new Travolta movie down the street so she grabbed her camera and we went like groupies. At each break Gandolfini, Travolta and Scott Caan would come outside to a tent and every time John T. would wave to the crowd that was building by the minute. So several times we got to see each of them. Gandolfini was a big guy but didn't seem to be obese. After they finished filming Scott Caan crossed the street to where at least a hundred or so people had gathered and started talking to the fans and signing autographs. A few minutes later John Travolta joined him. I think Travolta talked, hugged or shook hands with everyone there. He really was a nice guy. I have a very cool picture of him and my neighbor that I took. Sadly James Gandolfini got into a limo and left so we didn't get to meet him.

[copperfiend]

From all accounts, he was a humble and kind person. The saddest part is he had an infant daughter.