Tribute: James Gandolfini

Today we mourn the loss of James Gandofini, who died suddenly to day at age 51 while he was vacationing in Italy with his family.  He will always be remembered for his iconic role as Tony Soprano, the mob guy who was in therapy, in the ground-breaking HBO series “The Sopranos.”  His portrayal of the complex man who was often at war with the world and with himself was mesmerizing.  But he was also magnificent in a wide range of other roles.  I especially loved him as Bear, the doting father, sometime stunt man, and occasional enforcer in “Get Shorty” and as the general in “In the Loop.”  Last year he was outstanding as the head of the CIA in “Zero Dark Thirty” and as the father of a music-obsessed teenager in “Not Fade Away.” He was an actor of endless power and sensitivity, able to handle a lead role but an ensemble player who made everyone better.

Here he is telling Zoe on Sesame Street about what to do when you’re scared.

May his memory be a blessing.