James Gandolfini: Celebrities react to 'Sopranos' star's death

By Nardine Saad

June 20, 2013 12 AM PT

James Gandolfini, who made his mark playing troubled mob boss Tony Soprano, died Wednesday in Italy from a possible heart attack. He was 51.

The actor left a notable imprint in Hollywood with an acting career that included television, theater and film. Upon hearing of his death, many of his colleagues expressed their condolences via social media.

Here are a few notable tweets:

PHOTOS: Celebrities react on Twitter

Susan Sarandon: “So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I’ve ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family.”

“This Is the End” actor Jonah Hill: “I’m truly heartbroken to hear that James Gandolfini has passed away. He is one of my all time favorite actors. Tragic loss.”

“The Hangover - Part III” star Ken Jeong: “I had the honor of meeting James Gandolfini recently. A genius actor & great man. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace.”

“Sons of Anarchy” star Ron Perlman: “Sweet journey home, James Gandolfini ... The brightest stars burn the fastest....”

“Family Guy” actor Seth Green: “Stunned to hear of James Gandolfini’s passing. A powerful actor & a truly sweet man. Much love to his family.”

PHOTOS: Gandolfini’s career highlights

Gandolfini’s “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” costar Steve Carell: “James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man.”

CNN talk show host Piers Morgan: “Amazing outpouring of tributes to James Gandolfini -- reflective of the huge impact he had as Tony Soprano, one of TV’s greatest characters.”

“Family Tools” actress Leah Remini: “R.I.P James Gandolfini. My prayers to his family and friends. He will certainly be missed by us who loved watching him.”

Gandolfini’s “Money for Nothing” costar John Cusack: “RIP James Gandolfini -- had the pleasure of working with him and knowing him a bit -- always a truth teller- gent and all around class act.”

Actor Val Kilmer: “God bless James Gandolfini.”

“The Office” writer B.J. Novak shared a video of the actor’s interview with James Lipton on “Inside the Actors” studio: “James Gandolfini on ‘Inside The Actors Studio’: one of the most inspiring interviews about acting I have ever seen.”

“Burt Wonderstone” actress Olivia Wilde: “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.”

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.): “RIP James Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.”

PHOTOS: James Gandolfini | 1961-2013

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie had a series of tweets about the late actor: “James Gandolfini’s passing is an awful shock. He was a fine actor, a Rutgers alum and a true Jersey guy. I was a huge fan of his and the character he played so authentically, Tony Soprano. I have gotten to know Jimmy & many of the other actors in the Sopranos cast & I can say that each of them are an individual NJ treasure.”

Frank Sinatra’s daughter Nancy Sinatra shared a photo of herself with Gandolfini: “#JamesGandolfini My favorite picture from my Sopranos shoot, hugged by a big teddy bear. Shocking, brutally sad loss.”

Actress Bette Midler: “The great James Gandolfini passed away today. Only 51. I can’t believe it.”

“Today” show host Al Roker: “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.”

Comedian Ricky Gervais: “Damn. RIP James Gandofini. An amazing actor that made arguably the greatest drama of all time, & a funny, sweet, gentle giant off screen.”

“Chelsea Lately” comedienne Sarah Colonna: “I loved that man...RIP James Gandolfini.”

“GCB” actress Kristen Chenoweth: “NO. Not James Gandolfini. He was in my top 5 favorite actors EVER. :( “

Actress Marlee Matlin: “Shocked at reading about the untimely passing of James Gandolfini. A man of enormous talent. What shocking and sad news.”

Musician Josh Groban: “Thank you James Gandolfini for some of the most brilliant tv moments of all time. So sad!!!”

“The Impossible” star Ewan McGregor: “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.”

“Superbad” and “The Newsroom” director Greg Mottola: “Every performance he gave AND everything I ever heard about the man made me admire James Gandolfini tremendously. Unspeakably sad.”

MORE ON HIS LIFE AND DEATH:

VIDEO: Tony Soprano’s best scenes

PHOTOS: Celebrities react on Twitter

OBITUARY: James Gandolfini swaggered his way to fame

REACTION: Stars heartbroken by news of Gandolfini’s death

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