Vera Anderson/WireImage(NEW YORK) -- James Gandolfini, best known for his role as mobster Tony Soprano in the 1999-2007 HBO series The Sopranos, has died.

HBO has confirmed Gandolfini has died at the age of 51 of a possible heart attack.

Gandolfini was on vacation in Rome, Italy, at the time of his death. TMZ notes he was expected to attend a film festival event this weekend in Sicily.

A statement from HBO reads:

We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family.  He was [a] 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.  He touched so many of us over the years with his humor, his warmth and his humility.  Our hearts go out to his wife and children during this terrible time.  He will be deeply missed by all of us.  

Gandolfini's managers, Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, also released a statement:

"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."

Gandolfini won three Emmy Awards for his performance on The Sopranos. Last month, HBO ordered a seven-part drama series, Criminal Justice, with Gandolfini attached.

Gandolfini had numerous movies to his credit as well, most recently Zero Dark Thirty and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. He had been working on a drama titled Animal Rescue, which is scheduled for release next year.

His film resume also includes Crimson Tide, Get Shorty, The Mexican, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, and Killing Them Softly.

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