James Gandolfini died suddenly in Italy yesterday according to reports this morning.

The actor, who played Tony Soprano in HBO’s hit series The Sopranos, apparently suffered a massive heart attack while on vacation. He was 51-years-old.

James Gandolfini was the star of The Sopranos. 

The television network confirmed the sad news before releasing a statement to Us Weekly. It read: “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 gentled 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.”

The actor with his wife Deborah Lin. 

They added: “Our hearts go out to his wife and children during his this terrible time. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”

Emmy Award winner Gandolfini  is survived by his wife Deborah Lin and two children, nine-month old daughter Liliana and teenage son Michael.