Hollywood Reacts to Gandolfini News

The Hollywood community reacted with shock and sadness late Wednesday over the sudden loss of James Gandolfini, who died at the age of 51 of a possible heart attack.

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 Deborah and Michael and Lilliana 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.

”The Sopranos” creator David Chase

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I worked with Jim before The Sopranos and after it, and throughout these many years he has always been the same man. A real man, like they don’t make anymore. Honest, humble, loyal, complicated, as grateful for his success as he was unaffected by it, as respectful as he was respected, as generous as he was gifted. He was big, but even bigger-hearted. I’m so saddened to lose my friend, and sadder still for his family.

Screenwriter Steven Zaillian

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“James Gandolfini was by far one of the sweetest and kindest men that I’ve ever come into contact with. He had the biggest heart, a wonderful smile and a wicked sense of humor. Funny, sharp and brilliantly observant. He didn’t suffer fools and he came to work. He understood heart and character and My God could he act. He could dig so deep and he loved going there. He’s truly one of the finest actors of our generation; I only wish, as I know many others will too, that I could have had more time with him. I will be forever grateful to have had the honor of working alongside him, learning from him, laughing with him.”

“Animal Rescue” star Tom Hardy

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If Broadway has a version of a guy you want in your foxhole, Jim Gandolfini was mine. During our time together in GOD OF CARNAGE, we played 320 performances together. He didn’t miss one. Sadly, I now miss him like a brother.

“God of Carnage” co-star Jeff Daniels

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We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken.

“The Sopranos” co-star Lorraine Bracco

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Jim was an icon, and anyone who had the pleasure to spend ten minutes with the man understood why. His talent was bigger than life, and so was his generosity to both directors and fellow actors. We’re devastated for his family, and heartbroken that we’ll never get a chance to work with him again.

”Cinema Verite” directors Robert Pulcini & Shari Springer Berman

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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.

Starz CEO Chris Albrecht

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I was very sad to hear the tragic news about James Gandolfini. He was an incredibly gifted artist and I hope our film will make him proud. My thoughts are with his family.

Noomi Rapace, co-star “Animal Rescue”

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