How did James Gandolfini die? Inside the Sopranos star's untimely death and lasting legacy
foxnews.comBest known for his role as mob boss Tony Soprano in the HBO crime drama series "The Sopranos," James Gandolfini is one of the most beloved and innovative American performers of all time.
His death shocked the world, especially the entertainment industry, but his popularity continues to grow nearly a decade since his passing.
Gandolfini's health had reportedly been a concern for executives at HBO during the filming of the television series due to his history of drug and alcohol abuse.
Yet, years after the "Sopranos" ended, Gandolfini earned praise for his performances in several critically acclaimed films. At the time of his passing at the age of 51, he had received 19 acting awards and over 50 nominations, including three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards for his role in the "Sopranos." Prior to his role and accolades on the Sopranos, Gandolfini, a New Jersey native, developed his career in the New York theater scene with various small-time gigs and movie appearances before his first Broadway debut in 1992's "A Streetcar Named Desire" where he acted alongside Alec Baldwin and Jessica Lange.The following year he had his first major film breakout role in the mob action movie "True Romance" as the hitman Virgil.
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