The Sopranos star James Gandolfini has died at age 51.

Deadline broke the news and reports he died of a heart attack while in Italy. Separate reports indicate the cause of death was a stroke.

The actor was best known for his role in the HBO drama The Sopranos as Tony Soprano, the conflicted mob boss who tried to balance his family life with his less than savory business life. HBO confirmed the news of his passing shortly after word broke stating:

We’re all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was 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.

David Chase the creator of The Soprannos, and Gandofini’s personal friend just issued the following statement according to Hit Fix recognizing the wife and young children Gandofini leaves behind.

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.

Since the show wrapped in 2007, Gandolfini has maintained a very active movie career. Recent films include The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, Zero Dark Thirty, and Killing Them Softly.

Gandolfini was born in September 1961 in Westwood, New Jersey. He often visited his home state, which he remembered fondly. He was among the celebrities who banded together to raise funds for the Jersey Shore towns affected by Hurricane Sandy. Oftentimes, fans who encountered him on the street found him unassuming, down-to-earth, and the “Jimmy” they knew growing up.

His final film, according to his actor’s profile on IMDb, appears to be Animal Rescue, which is slated to hit theaters in 2014.

Several of Gandolfini’s co-stars, friends, and admirers expressed their sorrow.