Reactions to James Gandolfini's Death Spark Social Media Eruption

As news of James Gandolfini's death broke Wednesday, reactions poured out as fans and friends turned to Twitter to mourn the loss of the actor best known as Tony Soprano.

Gandolfini reportedly suffered a massive heart attack Wednesday while vacationing in Rome. He was 51.

The Emmy Award-winning actor help propel HBO's "The Sopranos," a drama about a fictional New Jersey mob family, to its place as one of the top television series in history. Throughout its six-season run, which ended in 2007, Gandolfini cultivated a loyal fan base for his role as Tony Soprano, a mob boss with soul.

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"We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family," HBO said said in a statement. "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."

Others, too, were stunned at the news of Gandolfini's the early demise. Reactions were flooded Twitter.

Gandolfini's Tony Soprano will be as immortal as Hamlet, Scarlett O'Hara, Sam Spade, & Jim Rockford. What an actor, what a loss. RIP.
— John Nolte (@NolteNC) June 19, 2013

"One thing about us tough guys, the hustle never ends." - Tony Soprano R.I.P James Gandolfini. Very sad...only 51!
— Diti Asiag (@ditiasiag) June 20, 2013

RIP James Gandolfini 😞 Tony Soprano was taken too soon
— Zain Al-Baqsami (@ZaIn97456) June 20, 2013

Sad news about #JamesGandolfini, such a good actor dying so young. Think a Sopranos marathon in his honour is called for.
— Amanda (@amandamckee86) June 20, 2013

Gandolfini's death also shook Hollywood and other public figures, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

I have gotten to know Jimmy & many of the other actors in the Sopranos cast & I can say that each of them are an individual NJ treasure.
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) June 20, 2013

R.I.P. James Gandolfini, A truly fine actor, Didn't know him well but what I did know I liked. Condolences to his family from me and mine
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) June 20, 2013

I am heartbroken about James Gandolfini. He was a gentle giant and great man. I love this picture, I loved him. pic.twitter.com/Y1wdbeUDfK
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) June 19, 2013

I'm truly heartbroken to hear that James Gandolfini has passed away. He is one of my all time favorite actors. Tragic loss.
— Jonah Hill (@JonahHill) June 19, 2013

James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man.
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) June 20, 2013

RIP James Gandolfini! Your iconic portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano gave soul to a monster and fostered perverse pride in the Garden State!
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) June 19, 2013

Rest in peace, Mr. Gandolfini.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) June 19, 2013

Arrivederci, James Gandolfini. You were one of the great greats. We'll miss your dangerous, big heart. #RIPGandolfini
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) June 19, 2013

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.
— Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) June 20, 2013

James Gandoldini gave the greatest performance in the history of television. He was also a kind man. Condolences to his family.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 20, 2013

Just heard James Gandolfini has died of a heart attack at the age of 51. So incredibly sad. Breaking details on @ENews and @eonline
— Giuliana Rancic (@GiulianaRancic) June 19, 2013

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.
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) June 19, 2013