'Sopranos' Cast Mourns James Gandolfini

Famous friends and fans — and even a famous restaurant — paid tribute to James Gandolfini following his sudden death Wednesday at the age of 51 in Italy. But now those closest to Gandolfini — his fellow members of The Sopranos cast — are speaking out on the late actor.

Sopranos creator David Chase issued comment regarding Gandolfini late Wednesday night, but here's how some of his co-stars paid tribute to the actor, via HBO:

Edie Falco, who played Soprano's wife, Carmela Soprano: "I am shocked and devastated by Jim's passing. He was a man of tremendous depth and sensitivity, with a kindness and generosity beyond words. I consider myself very lucky to have spent 10 years as his close colleague. My heart goes out to his family. As those of us in his pretend one hold on to the memories of our intense and beautiful time together. The love between Tony and Carmela was one of the greatest I've ever known."

Lorraine Bracco, who played Soprano's psychiatrist, Dr. Melfi: "We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken."

Michael Imperioli, who played Soprano's protégé, Christopher Moltisanti: "Jimmy treated us all like family with a generosity, loyalty and compassion that is rare in this world. Working with him was a pleasure and a privilege. I will be forever grateful having had a friend the likes of Jimmy."

Jeff Daniels, fellow HBO star (Newsroom) who starred with Gandolfini in God of Carnage: "If Broadway has a version of a guy you want in your foxhole, Jim Gandolfini was mine. During our time together in God of Carnage, we played 320 performances together. He didn't miss one. Sadly, I now miss him like a brother."

Image: HBO