Celebrities including Rose McGowan, Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Ewan McGregor and Robin Williams, have taken to Twitter to express their sorrow following the tragic passing of James Gandolfini. The staggering outpouring of grief is reflective of just how beloved the Sopranos star was amongst his peers, and the impact he made on the industry.
"I am heartbroken about James Gandolfini," wrote Rose McGowan, posting a picture of the pair together. "He was a gentle giant and a great man. I love this picture, I loved him. "Susan Sarandon, who starred alongside him in Romance & Cigarettes in 2005, tweeted, "So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I've ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family. "Steve Carell and Olivia Wilde both recently appeared with the 51-year-old in the comedy film, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.
"James Gandolfini was a kind, funny, wonderful guy," said Olivia. "I'm so lucky to have worked with him. Sending love to his family. Such a sad, sad day. "Steve, who was due to reunite with James in HBO Films' Bone Wars, tweeted, "James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. a fine man. "Jeff Daniels, who performed onstage with the star on Broadway's God of Carnage, wrote, "RIP James Gandolfini. a great friend."
Bette Midler, his Get Shorty co-star tweeted, "The great James Gandolfini passed away today. Only 51. I can't believe it. "Rob Lowe hailed his incredible talent, writing, "James Gandolfini gave the greatest performance in the history of television. He was also a kind man. Condolences to his family. "Ewan McGregor also paid tribute to the Golden Globe winner. "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."
"Awful, awful news," wrote Mia Farrow. "James Gandolfini will be missed. He was a great actor. Just great. "Robin Williams said, "My thoughts and prayers go out to James Gandolfini's family. An extraordinary actor. RIP, Mr. Gandolfini." Christina Applegate, meanwhile, wrote, "I am so deeply saddened by the untimely passing of sweet James Gandolfini. My heart is broken for his family. I'm in shock."
David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, was among the first to honour the late actor with a particularly touching tribute. "He was a genius," he said. "Anyone who saw him even in the smallest of his performance 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. He was my partner… He was my brother in ways I can't explain and never will be able to explain."