SOPRANOS STAR, NEW JERSEY NATIVE SUFFERS FATAL HEART ATTACK IN ITALY
By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog
Horribly sad news is rocking a stunned country tonight, Save Jerseyans; we’ve learned that New Jersey icon and acting legend James Gandolfini is dead of a heart attack at age of 51.
Gandolfini was born in Westwood, New Jersey and grew up in Park Ridge. His critically-acclaimed depiction of Tony Soprano on HBO’s The Sopranos redefined television, elevated Gandolfini to one of television’s most recognized figures and, in a totally unexpected way at the time, catalyzed a decade’s long interest in the Garden State among drivers of the popular culture…
Governor Chris Christie issued the following statement on Wednesday evening:
It’s an awful shock. James Gandolfini was a fine actor, a Rutgers alum and a true Jersey guy. I was a huge fan of his and the character he played so authentically, Tony Soprano. I have gotten to know Jimmy and many of the other actors in the Sopranos cast and I can say that each of them are an individual New Jersey treasure. Mary Pat and I express our deepest sympathies to Mr. Gandolfini’s wife and children, and our prayers are with them at this terrible time.”
And a statement from HBO:
We’re all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. James Gandolfini 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 humor, 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.”
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpGWnChtih4
Rest in peace, Tony!
