10:25 pm, June 19th, 2013
(GettyImages.com)
James Gandolfini’s “The Sopranos” co-stars are releasing statements reacting to their longtime colleague and friend’s tragic death.
The Emmy-winning actor died on Wednesday after suffering a suspected heart attack while vacationing in Rome, Italy.
In addition to dozens of celebrities taking to Twitter to share their condolences, a number of former colleagues are sharing their memories, reflections, and, of course, their sadness.
Check out statements from “Sopranos” creator David Chase and more below, and come back later for additional comments.
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DAVID CHASE, Creator of “The Sopranos”
“He was a genius. Anyone who saw him even in the smallest of his performances knows that. 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. For [his wife Deborah Lin] and [children] Michael and Liliana this is crushing. 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.”
BRAD GREY, Executive Producer of “The Sopranos”
“Jimmy was one of the most talented, authentic and vulnerable actors of our time. He was unorthodox and truly special in so many ways. He had the sex appeal of Steve McQueen or Brando in his prime as well as the comedic genius of Jackie Gleason. I’m proud to have been his friend and grateful for the extraordinary years I was lucky enough to work with him. My heart and support goes out to his wonderful and loving family.”
LORRAINE BRACCO, Dr. Melfi on “The Sopranos”
“We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken.”
STEVE SCHIRRIPA, Bobby Baccalieri on “The Sopranos”
“Jimmy was a dear friend and like a brother to me. He was a great actor and a great father. I will miss him terribly. I am very sad.”
TONY SIRICO, Paulie Gualtieri on “The Sopranos”
“He was one of my best friends in life. He helped me with my career and I’m going to miss him. He’s part of my family.”
STEVEN VAN ZANDT, Silvio Dante on “The Sopranos”
“I have lost a brother and a best friend. The world has lost one of the greatest actors of all time. Maureen and I send our deepest sympathy and love to Deborah, Michael, Lily, and all of Jimmy’s family.”
CHRIS ALBRECHT, Former CEO and Chairman of HBO
“Jimmy was the spiritual core of our Sopranos family, and I am stunned at this devastating loss. He was a great talent, but an even better man. My thoughts are with his family.”
JOURNEY, Band featured on “Sopranos”
“It’s truly an honor to have been able to share one of the greatest moments ever in TV history with James Gandolfini. He was an amazing actor — taken way too young — and he’ll be missed. Our condolences go out to his family.”
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