The Sopranos Star James Gandolfini Dies At 51

Actor James Gandolfinihas died from a suspected heart attack at the age of 51.

The TV and movie star, most famous as the lead actor from gangster drama The Sopranos, was confirmed by HBO to have passed away in Italy. He had been on the way to a film festival in Sicily.

The network issued a statement saying: "We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was a 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 humour, 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."

New Jersey-born Gandolfini won three Emmy awards for his portrayal of troubled mobster Tony Soprano - and has also appeared in movies including True Romance, Get Shorty, Zero Dark Thirty, In the Loop and Where The Wild Things Are.

He is survived by wife Deborah Lin and their baby daughter, born last year - and also has a teenage son from a previous relationship.

And tributes have been flooding in on Twitter.

Justin Timberlake tweeted: "Really though... This James Gandolfini passing is so sad. My heart goes out to his family in this time. RIP #takentoosoon"

Really though... This James Gandolfini passing is so sad. My heart goes out to his family in this time. RIP #takentoosoon

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 20, 2013

Lindsay Lohan wrote: "James Gandolfini was a dear friend and a great man. My heart goes out to his family. He will be greatly missed."

Ricky Gervais said: "Damn. RIP James Gandofini. An amazing actor that made arguably the greatest drama of all time, & a funny, sweet, gentle giant off screen."

Actor Ewan McGregor wrote: "Jesus. The world just lost one of its great actors. James Gandolfini has passed away. Thoughts to his family. Such a talent. I'm saddened."

And filmmaker Kevin Smith tweeted: "RIP James Gandolfini! Your iconic portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano gave soul to a monster and fostered perverse pride in the Garden State!"