The actor who famously played Tony Soprano passed away earlier today in Italy. Reports say Gandolfini suffered from a heart attack.

The actor, who won various awards in portraying troubled crime boss, Tony Soprano, in HBO's 'The Sopranos' died today in Italy while on a vacation with his family. According to initial reports, Gandolfini suffered from a fatal stroke, but it was ruled out when official reports claim that the actor had a heart attack.

Gandolfini's co-stars in The Sopranos have already expressed their grief and shock with the sudden death of the well-loved actor.

"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," says actor, Joseph R. Gannascoli, who plays Vito in The Sopranos.

"He was a great man and I will forever be indebted to him." added Gannascoli, as reported by TMZ.

"I am deeply saddened to hear that TV and stage actor James Gandolfini passed away. So young, with so much still to share. He will be missed." Posted Star Trek actor, George Takei, on his Facebook page.

The New Jersey-born and raised actor went to Rome, Italy to attend a film festival with his family. HBO's former CEO, Chris Albrecht, who stamped the go signal for The Sopranos to air, has just found about the death and says the actor's passing is a "tremendous loss."

"I got the word from Lorraine Bracco and just got off with Brad Grey (Sopranos producer) who had just heard from David Chase (The Sopranos creator). We had all become a family. This is a tremendous loss." says Albrecht as reported by the Huffington Post.

Gandolfini won 3 Primetime Emmy awards for his famous character, and he was seen in critically acclaimed projects such as Zero Dark Thirty and Killing Them Softly.

More updates on Gandolfini's death to come. View the slideshow to see photos of the fallen actor.

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