James Gandolfini Remembered: See Inside The ‘Sopranos’ Actor Final Moments [VIDEO]

James Gandolfini best known for his iconic role of Tony Soprano on HBO's "The Sopranos" is dead. Gandolfini was only 51-years-old when he died yesterday in Rome, Italy.

The Emmy award-winning actor was vacationing with his family in Rome, Italy before a scheduled appearance on Saturday as guest of honor at the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily. Gandolfini collapsed in the bathroom of his hotel, after suffering a suspected heart attack at about 10p.m., his teenage son Michael was in the hotel room with his father and immediately called for help.

Most likely due to his son's quick action, Gandolfini was still alive when he ambulance arrived at Hotel Boscolo in Rome, according to Antonio D'amore. D'amore is the manager of the Italian hotel where Gandolfini and his family were staying, he also stated "Gandolfini's son, Michael, was with him in the room and called for help. Hotel staff rushed to the room and found the actor on the bathroom floor.

Workers attempted to resuscitate him on scene then Galdofini was taken to the nearby Policlinico Umberto I hospital. According to the Associated Press, Gandolfini was declared dead at 11 p.m., 40 minutes after being admitted. Claudio Modini, head of the hospital's emergency room, said an autopsy would be performed, as required by local law, with the preliminary results likely due on Friday.

Michael Kobold, a close friend of Gandolfini's spoke to reporters outside the hotel. Kobold confirmed that Gandolfini was transported to the hospital via ambulance; he also revealed that Gandolfini died of "an apparent heart attack." "Our prayers and condolences go to Mr. Gandolfini's family and firends," Kobold said, "we ask you all to respect the family's privacy at this difficult time."

Gandolfini won critical acclaim, three Emmy Awards and three Screen Actors Guild awards for playing the lovable and ruthless, Tony Soprano from 1999-2007. His cast mates from "The Sopranos" remember him fondly as a multi-dimensional man, who will not only be missed greatly by the acting community but the world in general.

Edie Falco, who played Carmela Soprano, remembers Gandolfini as "a man of tremendous depth and sensitivity, with a kindness and generosity beyond words." She added, "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."

HBO released a statement offering their condolences and paid tribute to the great man Gandolfini was, "We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family, 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 humor, his warmth and his humility. Our hearts go out to his wife and children during this terrible time. He will be deeply missed by all of us."