News of HBO Sopranos star James Gandolfini’s death shocked the world last night, and today we’re learning the sad details of his passing.
It was reported yesterday that Gandolfini, who played the beloved character Tony Soprano, died of a heart attack while on vacation in Italy. But TMZ is revealing that the trip was actually a “guys trip” for the actor and his teenage son, Michael.
Multiple sources tell us James’ trip was for pleasure and business — first getting to spend some QT in Italy with Michael, who just recently graduated from the 8th grade … and then attending the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily.
We’re told Michael’s mom — James’ first wife Marcy Wudarski — immediately flew to Italy on Wednesday to be with her son … after she was told James had died.
James and his son were very tight — Michael is a big hockey fan, and he and his father were regulars at LA Kings home games.
We also learned that the 51-year-old was planning on getting some new ink when he came back to the States.
He dropped by an L.A. tattoo parlor on June 1 and talked to the owner of T-Man Tattoo about a tattoo that he was excited to get.
According to TMZ:
Gandolfini didn’t tell the owner what he wanted to get done — but said he just moved to the neighborhood, and promised to return later this month for a full tat session.
The owner says Gandolfini was in great spirits during the visit.
That same great spirit is what his fellow celebrities remembered about James while they reflected on the loss of their friend. See their reactions, here.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gandolfini’s children and wife at this time. He will be missed dearly.
Here are some of the last photos taken of him in Italy before he passed
SOURCE: TMZ
