The actor James Gandolfini - best known for his TV role as mob boss Tony Soprano - has died while in Rome.
A spokesperson for the US television network HBO says the star died from a suspected heart attack.
He was 51 years old.
In a statement HBO said, "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 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."
Shock reaction
Actor Steve Van Zandt, who played Silvio alongside Gandolfini in the long-running series, and who also plays in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band tweeted:
I have lost a brother and a best friend. The world has lost one of the greatest actors of all time.
— Steven Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) June 20, 2013
Sopranos creator David Chase said James was a genius and one of the greatest actors of his or any time.
Lorraine Bracco, who played his on screen psychiatrist, says she's "utterly heartbroken."
Joe Gannascoli, who played Vito Spatafore, said his death came "way too young". "James is one guy who never turned his back on me," he told TMZ. "He was the most humble and gifted actor and person I have ever worked with ... and I will forever be indebted to him."
US Chat show host Larry King hung out with him two weeks ago in Las Vegas, and says it's a great loss:
Samuel L. Jackson and John Cusack have paid their respects too:
Massive blow to the acting community today... The passing of James Gandolfini. So talented. My heart goes out to his family!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) June 20, 2013
RIP James Gandolfini - had the pleasure of working with him and knowing him a bit- always a truth teller- gent and all around class act-
— John Cusack (@johncusack) June 20, 2013
Other celebrities have been reacting too:
RIP James Gandolfini. Thank you for sharing your truly tremendous talent with us. #tooyoungtodie
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) June 20, 2013
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
Such sad news about James Gandolfini... What an incredible actor... My thoughts are with his family.
— Lea Michele (@msleamichele) June 20, 2013
In this interview James Gandolfini spoke about his acting career
James Gandolfini worked alongside some of the biggest names in showbiz during a career spanning more than 25 years.
He co-starred with Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts in 2001 comedy The Mexican and teamed up with Denzel Washington and John Travolta for 2009 thriller The Taking of Pelham 123. He was due to star in a new HBO series called Criminal Justice, and had recently appeared in hit film Zero Dark Thirty with Jessica Chastain:
A post mortem will be carried out in Rome, but it's likely he died from a heart attack.
