Stars React on Twitter to the Death of James Gandolfini

The sudden death of Emmy Award-winning actor James Gandolfini has taken the Broadway community by surprise. Gandolfini was nominated for a 2009 Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway debut of Yazmina Reza’s God of Carnage. His co-stars in that show, Jeff Daniels and Marcia Gay Harden, took to Twitter to express their grief.

Closing Night of GOD OF CARNAGE. pic.twitter.com/CR95Ibx4hg

— Jeff Daniels (@Jeff_Daniels) June 20, 2013

#JamesGandolfini goodbye to a Champion. pic.twitter.com/7jQeaIAUsg

— Marcia Gay Harden (@Beloving2) June 20, 2013

Gandolfini is best known for his portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano on the HBO series The Sopranos. His co-star Steven Van Zandt also mourned the loss of his friend and colleague:

I have lost a brother and a best friend. The world has lost one of the greatest actors of all time.

— Steven Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) June 20, 2013

Edie Falco, who played Tony Soprano’s wife, Carmela, released the following statement through Showtime:

“I am shocked and devastated by Jim’s passing. He was a man of tremendous depth and sensitivity, with a kindness and generosity beyond words. I consider myself very lucky to have spent ten years as his close colleague. My heart goes out to his family, as those of us in his pretend one hold on to the memories of our intense and beautiful time together. The love between Tony and Carmela was one of the greatest I’ve ever known.“

Below is a gallery of photos of Gandolfini from his run in God of Carnage, a play about two sets of parents who try to civilly resolve a dispute between their young boys and end up proving that adults can be much worse than children:

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Marcia Gay Harden, James Gandolfini, Hope Davis, and Jeff Daniels at the opening of <I>God of Carnage</I>.<br />(© Joseph Marzullo / WENN)”/>
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Marcia Gay Harden, James Gandolfini, Hope Davis, and Jeff Daniels at the opening of God of Carnage.
(© Joseph Marzullo / WENN)

Gandolfini’s television wife, Edie Falco, showed up to support him in his return to Broadway.<br />(© Joseph Marzullo / WENN)”/>
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Gandolfini’s television wife, Edie Falco, showed up to support him in his return to Broadway.
(© Joseph Marzullo / WENN)

James Gandolfini at the Opening Night After Party for <I>God Of Carnage</I>.<br />(© Joseph Marzullo / WENN)”/>
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James Gandolfini at the Opening Night After Party for God Of Carnage.
(© Joseph Marzullo / WENN)

Gandolfini played self-made wholesaler Michael in <I>God of Carnage</I>. Marcia Gay Harden played his wife, socially conscious author Veronica. <br />(© Joan Marcus)”/>
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Gandolfini played self-made wholesaler Michael in God of Carnage. Marcia Gay Harden played his wife, socially conscious author Veronica.
(© Joan Marcus)

Jeff Daniels starred opposite Gandolfini as Alan, a lawyer. <br />(© Joan Marcus)”/>
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Gandolfini raises a bottle and raises the stakes. <br />©2009, Joan Marcus”/>
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Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, and James Gandolfini were all nominated for Tony Awards for their performances in <I>God of Carnage</I>.<br />(© Joseph Marzullo / WENN)”/>
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Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, and James Gandolfini were all nominated for Tony Awards for their performances in God of Carnage.
(© Joseph Marzullo / WENN)