Gandolfini's Co-Stars & Peers React to His Death

The tragic news of The Sopranos actor James Gandolfini's sudden death has shocked everyone from longtime fans of the man who played Tony Soprano to those who worked alongside him or rubbed elbows with him in the acting world.

Upon learning of his passing, Gandolfini's Sopranos co-stars reacted to the sad news:

Jamie-Lynn Sigler ("Meadow Soprano"): "This news has left me heartbroken. I can only imagine the pain his family feels at this time, and my heart goes out to them, especially Deborah, Michael and liliana. I spent 10 years of my life studying and admiring one of the most brilliant actors , yes, but more importantly one of the greatest men. Jim had the ability, unbeknownst to him, to make you feel like everything would be alright if he was around. I treasure my memories with him and feel so honored that I was an up-close witness to his greatness."

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Tony Sirico ("Paulie Gualtieri"): "He was one of my best friends in life. He helped me with my career and I'm going to miss him. He's part of my family."

Steven Schirripa ("Bobby Baccalieri"): "Jimmy was a dear friend and like a brother to me. He was a great actor and a great father. I will miss him terribly. I am very sad."

David Chase (creator): "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."

Steven Van Zandt ("Silvio Dante"): "I have lost a brother and a best friend. The world has lost one of the greatest actors of all time. Maureen and I send our deepest sympathy and love to Deborah, Michael, Lily, and all of Jimmy's family."

Lorraine Bracco ("Dr. Jennifer Melfi"): "We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken."

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Many celebrities also immediately took to Twitter and the web to offer their heartfelt condolences to the late actor and his family.

Brad Pitt (via Deadline): "I admire Jimmy as a ferocious actor, a gentle soul and a genuinely funny man I am fortunate to have sat across the table from him and am gutted by this loss. I wish his family strength and some semblance of peace."