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Sopranos star James Gandolfini dead at 51

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James Gandolfini portrays Tony Soprano in a scene from one of the last episodes of HBO's 'The Sopranos.' (HBO / Craig Blankenhorn)

LOS ANGELES - HBO and James Gandolfini's managers say the actor famous for his role in "The Sopranos" has died in Italy.

The cable channel, and managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, say the 51-year-old Gandolfini (gan-dahl-FEE'-nee) died Wednesday while on holiday in Rome.

Photo Gallery: A look back at James Gandolfini's career

In a statement, HBO called the actor a great talent and a gentle and loving person.

Gandolfini played conflicted mob boss Tony Soprano in the groundbreaking HBO series that aired from 1999 to 2007.

His film credits included "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Killing Them Softly," and he appeared in the Broadway production "God of Carnage."