JAMES GANDOLFINI (1961 - 2013)

James Gandolfini, best known for his role as a mob boss on HBO's "The Sopranos," died of a heart attack in Italy. He was 51.  

Gandolfini won three Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Tony Soprano, the angst-ridden mob boss who visited a therapist and took Prozac while knocking off people in "The Sopranos" which aired from 1999 to 2007.

The New Jersey-born character actor big screen debut was in the bloody "True Romance" in 1993. His breakthrough though was on the small screen in 1999 with the role of Tony Soprano.

Since then, he has been seen in bit parts in movies such as The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, Welcome to the Rileys, Killing Them Softly and Zero Dark Thirty.

HBO released the following statement: "We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was 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. 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."