Funeral services for beloved actor James Gandolfini will be held on 27 June at a New York City cathedral.An HBO spokeswoman speaking on behalf of The Sopranos star’s family has confirmed that the funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. James, best known for his role as Tony Soprano, died last week at the age of 51 after suffering a heart attack in Rome.
The actor's body departed Rome on a private flight to the United States on Sunday. Family friend and spokesman Michael Kobold has said the process of repatriation had been expedited with help from the Italian and U.S. authorities, including Secretary of State John Kerry, his predecessor Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. "We are fully aware that this process usually takes seven days and we are extremely grateful for their efficiency in dealing with this matter," said the family friend in a statement. "It has been our privilege to be guests in your beautiful country, despite the difficult circumstances. "The American Emmy-winning actor had been headed to Sicily to appear at the Taormina Film Festival, which paid tribute to him on Saturday.James's acting career took off in 1992 – after he had moved from New Jersey to New York and worked as a bartender and club manager – when he landed a part in a Broadway production of A Streetcar Named Desire.A year later, he got his breakthrough role playing a mobster in the film True Romance. In 1999, he was cast in The Sopranos. The hit show – which ran for six series, winning 21 Emmys and five Golden Globes – centered around New Jersey-based mobster Tony Soprano, and his attempts to juggle his home life with his criminal organisation.
James's managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders said upon his death on Wednesday evening: "It is with immense sorrow that we report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome. "Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply. "Celebrities including Rose McGowan, Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Ewan McGregor and Robin Williams, took to Twitter to express their sorrow following the sad passing of the New Jersey-born actor.