New Jersey Governor Chris Christie released a statement on the death of New Jersey native and “Sopranos” star James Gandolfini.
The actor, best known for his legendary role as mobster Tony Soprano, died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51-years-old. No official cause of death has been given though some publications have reported that he died from a heart attack.
Gandolfini as well as the iconic character he played were both native sons of New Jersey. Gandolfini was born in Westwood, New Jersey, graduated from Park Ridge High School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication studies from Rutgers University.
“It’s an awful shock,” said Governor Christie. “James Gandolfini was a fine actor, a Rutgers alum and a true New Jersey guy.”
Christie, who called himself a “huge fan” of Gandolfini’s work, says that he had gotten to know the actor as well as his Sopranos castmates over the years.
“Each of them are an individual New Jersey treasure,” Christie said. “Mary Pat and I express our deepest sympathies to Mr. Gandolfini’s wife and children. And our prayers are with them at this terrible time.”
