Tributes Come in for James Gandolfini: Dead at 51

Hollywood celebrities and politicians alike began offering their own tributes to “Sopranos” star James Gandolfini, who passed away of an apparent heart attack Wednesday.  He was about to turn 52 in a matter of days.

As Tony Soprano in the HBO hit, Gandolfini played the patriarch of a New Jersey Mob family that dabbled in, among other things, an illegal gambling enterprise.

The tweets began flowing in following Wednesday night’s sad and sudden news.

Joseph R. Gannascoli (Vito on "The Sopranos")

I will be forever indebted to Jimmy http://twitpic.com/cy4a9m
 

Shawn Pendergast (Sopranos Historian)

TMZ article on James Gandolfini w/ heartfelt thoughts from my friend @JoeGannascoli (Vito Spatafore)

John McCain

RIP James Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I've ever met

Olivia Wilde

James Gandolfini was a kind, funny, wonderful guy. I'm so lucky to have worked with him. Sending love to his family. Such a sad, sad day.

Bette Midler

The great James Gandolfini passed away today. Only 51. I can't believe it.
 

Susan Sarandon

So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I’ve ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family.

Huffington Post’s Senior Entertainment Writer Mike Ryan

The thing about our random James Gandolfini 2:30 a.m. bar encounter: He was OUT OF HIS WAY friendly. And it made our months that he was.

Christina Applegate

I am so deeply saddened by the untimely passing of sweet James Gandolfini! My heart is broken for his family!! I'm in shock

Ralph Macchio

RIP James Gandolfini. Terrible news.

Carson Daly

SO SAD! PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY- wow- Shocked by this news today...

Artie Lange

You will be missed greatly James Gandolfini Maybe best actor ever on a tv series. Salute'

Lance Bass

So so so sad about James Gandolfini - 51 is way too young.

Marlee Matlin

Shocked at reading about the untimely passing of James Gandolfini. A man of enormous talent. What shocking and sad news.

Russell Simmons

Not tony soprano! Damn. Such a good guy and a great actor. James, rest in peace.

Wes Craven

Farewell to the great American actor James Gandolfini. I was a huge fan. My condolences to his family and his many fans.

Pauly D

Wow RIP #JamesGandolfini !!!! My Favorite Show Of All Time The Sopranos , My Heart And Prayers Go Out To Your Loved Ones

Leah Remini

R.I.P James Gandolfini. My prayers to his family and friends. He will certainly be missed by us who loved watching him

Bethenny Frankel

Just heard TV icon James Gandolfini has died. I'm shocked. I'm sad. I loved his work. My heart goes out to his family.

Kristin Chenoweth

NO. Not James Gandolfini. He was in my top 5 favorite actors EVER. :(