Hollywood was stunned and saddened by the death of 51-year-old “Sopranos” star James Gandolfini on Wednesday.
“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 Liliana 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,” “The Sopranos” creator David Chase said in a statement.
A slew of other stars took to Twitter after learning about the actor’s death.
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Here’s what some of Hollywood had to say about the loss of Gandolfini…
Steve Carell: James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man.”
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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.”
Jonah Hill: “I’m truly heartbroken to hear that James Gandolfini has passed away. He is one of my all time favorite actors. Tragic loss.”
Busy Philipps: “So sad to hear about James Gandolfini. He was such an amazing actor and by all accounts a wonderful person. RIP.”
Jimmy Kimmel: “I’m sadder about James Gandolfini than everyone else.”
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Bette Midler: “The great James Gandolfini passed away today. Only 51. I can’t believe it.”
Rainn Wilson: “Arrivederci, James Gandolfini. You were one of the great greats. We’ll miss your dangerous, big heart. #RIPGandolfini”
Kevin Smith: “RIP James Gandolfini! Your iconic portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano gave soul to a monster and fostered perverse pride in the Garden State!”
Albert Brooks: “R.I.P James Gandolfini. One hell of an actor.”
Rob Lowe: “James Gandoldini gave the greatest performance in the history of television. He was also a kind man. Condolences to his family.”
Katey Sagal: “Speechless. James Gandolfini. Really sad… Hug the kids.”
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”
Octavia Spencer: “RIP James Gandolfini. So sad!!”
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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.”
Nancy Sinatra: “#JamesGandolfini So tragic. Heart breaking. Wonderful man and one of the finest actors who ever lived. Godspeed, Jim & thank you.”
DJ Pauly D: “Wow RIP #JamesGandolfini !!!! My Favorite Show Of All Time The Sopranos, My Heart And Prayers Go Out To Your Loved Ones”
Kristin Chenoweth: “NO. Not James Gandolfini. He was in my top 5 favorite actors EVER.”
Tabatha Coffey: “RIP James Gandolfini sending prayers to his family and friends.”
John McCain: “RIP James Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met”
Nia Vardalos: “Oh James Gandolfini, you left us much too soon.”
“Project Runway’s” Nina Garcia: “‘Good writing will bring you to places you don’t even expect sometimes.’ R.I.P James Gandolfini”
Will Arnett: “So saddened by news of James Gandolfini’s death. What talent. He shall be missed.”
Marlee Matlin: “Shocked at reading about the untimely passing of James Gandolfini. A man of enormous talent. What shocking and sad news.”
Dominic Monaghan: “Oh man James gandolfini died. Fantastic in the soprano, and true romance. A great talent.”
As the evening went on, more stars released statements over the sad news:
Lorraine Bracco: “We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken.”
Jeff Daniels: “If Broadway has a version of a guy you want in your foxhole, Jim Gandolfini was mine. During our time together in ‘God of Carnage,’ we played 320 performances together. He didn’t miss one. Sadly, I now miss him like a brother.”
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