James Gandolfini of The Sopranos, dead at 51.

[Squid]

Actor James Gandolfini, who rose to fame as mob boss Tony Soprano on the hit HBO drama "The Sopranos," has died of a possible heart attack, the network has confirmed to NBC News. He was 51.

According to HBO, the actor was vacationing in Rome; some reports say he was in Sicily to attend the 59th Taormina Film Festival.

Just last month, HBO ordered seven episodes of his new project, "Criminal Justice," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Gandolfini's most recent movie role was that of a clueless billionaire casino owner in Steve Carell's "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone," which opened in March.

[hotpinklovesofa]

I know. We're all in shock.  Phones are going off like crazy. He was so talented.

[snap20]

It's too bad. Such a talented actor. It's unfortunate that he's always referred to as Tony Soprano when he was so much more and had other great roles in film and TV.

[CindyLouWho]

Yes that was a shock...   R.I.P.