James Gandolfini, the actor who played Tony Soprano in HBO’s “The Sopranos”, passed away Wednesday at the age of 51, according to the New York Times. Across the country, many reacted to the sad news.
Piers Morgan, host of CNN’s “Piers Morgan Live,” changed the plans of his show in order to commemorate Gandolfini’s passing.
He tweeted Wednesday:
“UPDATE: Tonight's show will now be dedicated to the late, great James Gandolfini, who has died at 51 of a suspected heart attack. CNN 9pmET.”
Morgan also tweeted quotes from analysts who commented on Gandolfini’s death and career.
"It's like he's not in the room - he doesn't draw attention to himself... He was very humble & self-effacing," said author Patricia Cornwell according to Morgan. “Nobody is prepared for something that happened that fast.”
Krista Smith of Vanity Fair commented on the growing reaction to Gandolfini’s death: "I'm not surprised at the outpouring. He was an actor's actor."
And Smith was right. Many actors voiced their condolences for the 3-time Emmy winner’s passing.
Lucy Hale of “Pretty Little Liars” tweeted, “So sad to hear about James Gandolfini. RIP.”
“Such sad news about James Gandolfini... What an incredible actor... My thoughts are with his family,” tweeted “Glee” actress Lea Michele.
Acting great Samuel L. Jackson pointed to the big loss Gandolfini’s death brings.
“Massive blow to the acting community today... The passing of James Gandolfini. So talented. My heart goes out to his family!” he tweeted.
Galdolfini had been in Rome at the time of his death. He was supposed to attend the Taromina Film Festival. His cause of death was not immediately released although there were conflicting reports as to whether he had a heart attack or a stroke.
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