James Gandolfini, star of The Sopranos, dies in Italy

The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his coruscating lead performance as Tony Soprano in the US drama The Sopranos, has died at the age of 51.

Gandolfini is believed to have suffered a heart attack while on a visit to Italy.

Born in New Jersey in 1961, James Gandolfini's acting career was given a boost when he landed a part in a 1992 Broadway production of A Streetcar Named Desire.

He went on to play a number of character roles on screen, most notably in Get Shorty before auditioning for the role of Tony Soprano in HBO's contemporary mob drama, The Sopranos which began in 1999.

Considered one of the towering performances in television history, Gandolfini starred in the acclaimed show which ran for six seasons, bagging Gandolfini three Emmys and a Golden Globe.

One of the most admired actors of the modern era, Gandolfini gave life to one of television's most complex and compelling characters - the brutal, conflicted mafia boss Tony Soprano.

Leading a cast of gifted actors, among them Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, Joe Pantoliano and Steve Buscemi; Gandolfini played the embattled mob leader with a mixture of humour, violence, anger and pathos that encapsulated the show's broader themes of love, family, manhood and American life.

HBO issued a statement in which they said of the actor: "He was a special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title or position with equal respect."

"He touched so many of us over the years with his humour, his warmth and his humility."

The Sopranos creator David Chase called Gandolfini "a genius". He said: ""He is one of the greatest actors of this or any time."

"A great deal of that genius resided in those sad eyes."

Sopranos co-star, Lorraine Bracco who played Dr Jennifer Melfi, Tony's shrink, said: "We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken."

Gandolfini is survived by his second wife, Deborah Lin and their daughter, Liliana, born last year.

He also leaves a teenage son, Michael, from his first marriage to Marcy Wudarski.

James Gandolfini's managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders said in a statement:

"Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply."