by Rachel Ogbu

Best known for his role as mob boss, Tony Soprano in the TV series, The Sopranos, actor James Gandolfini has died at the age of 51.

According to reports, the three time Emmy Award winner died in Italy while on holiday from a suspected heart condition. He was also said to have been in Italy for the 59th Taormina Film Festival.

[READ: 7 preventable heart disease risk factors ]

Apart from acting in the mega hit series, Gandolfini is known for his movie roles in Zero Dark Thirty and Killing Them Softly.

He is survived by wife Deborah Lin, their 8 month old daughter, Liliana Ruth and his son, Michael from his previous wife.

Since his death was announced, the tributes have been endless.

As published by the Mirror, here are a few;

Sopranos creater David Chase said: “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.”

Lorraine Bracco, who played Tony’s psychiatrist Jennifer  Melfi in The Sopranos, said: “I had the greatest sparring partner in the world,  I had Muhammad Ali. He cares what he does, and does it extremely well.”

The actor was soon the number one trending topic on Twitter as shocked  friends and fans around the world paid tribute.

Actress Lindsay Lohan: “James Gandolfini was a dear friend  and a great man. My heart goes out to his family. He will be greatly  missed.”

Actor Michael J Fox: “Shocked and saddened by James  Gandolfini’s passing. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”

Singer Bette Midler: “The great James Gandolfini passed away  today. Only 51. I can’t believe it.”

Comedian Ricky Gervais: “Damn. RIP James Gandofini. An  amazing actor that made arguably the greatest drama of all time, & a funny,  sweet, gentle giant off screen.”

Actor Ewan McGregor:” 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.”

TV host Piers Morgan: “Amazing outpouring of tributes to  James Gandolfini – reflective of the huge impact he had as Tony Soprano, one of  TV’s greatest characters.”

Actor Robin Williams: “My thoughts and prayers go out to  James Gandolfini’s family.   An extraordinary actor.   RIP,  Mr. Gandolfini.”

Actress 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.”

Former US President hopeful John McCain: “RIP James  Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.”

Illusionist Derren Brown: “Ah- we have lost James  Gandolfini. Bad bad news.”

Author Irvine Welsh: “R.I.P. James Gandolfini, aka Tony  Soprano. What an amazing actor that guy was.”

Director Wes Craven: “Farewell to the great American actor  James Gandolfini. I was a huge fan. My condolences to his family and his many  fans.”

Former Guns’N’Roses guitarist Slash: “Terribly sad news  about James Gandolfini’s passing. Such a fantastic actor. RIP.”

Director 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!”

Actor Rob Lowe: “James Gandoldini gave the greatest  performance in the history of television. He was also a kind man. Condolences to  his family.”

Actress Mia Farrow: “Awful awful news.   James  Gandolfini  will be missed.  He was a great actor.  Just  great.”

Actor Jeff Daniels: “RIP James Gandolfini. A great  friend.”

Actor Steve Carell: “James Gandolfini. What a great  loss.”

Comedian Stephen Merchant: “RIP James Gandolfini. Has an  actor ever inhabited a role as completely as he did with Tony Soprano? What a  talent, what a loss.”

Rap record label boss Russell Simmons: “Not tony  soprano!  Damn. Such a good guy and a great actor. James, rest in  peace..”

Comedian Kevin Bridges: “Gutted about James Gandolfini.  Tragic news, hero.”

Comedian Dara O’Briain: “That’s very sad about James  Gandolfini. Loved him ever since that brilliant scene in True Romance…  RIP”

Comedian Alan Davies: “Can’t believe that James Gandolfini  has died. Really sad news. People will still be talking about Tony Soprano 50  years from now.”

DJ Chris Moyles: “Never met you but loved your work so much  that I wish I had. RIP James Gandolfini.”

HBO, the channel behind The Sopranos,  said in a  statement: “He was special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle  and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title or position with  equal respect.”

His managers added: “It is with immense sorrow that we  report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome,  Italy.

“Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply. He and his family were  part of our family for many years and we are all grieving. ”