"The Sopranos" stars pay tribute to James Gandolfini Members of James Gandolfini's "Sopranos" family are paying tribute to the late actor, following his death Wednesday at the age of 51. Edie Falco, who played Tony Soprano's wife, Carmela, on the HBO series, said she was "shocked and devastated" by the news. "I am shocked and devastated by Jim's passing," she said in a statement. Other "Sopranos" co-stars have also given condolences: David Chase (Creator of "The Sopranos"): "He was a genius. Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow Soprano): "This news has left me heartbroken. Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Jennifer Melfi): "We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken. Michael Imperioli (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. Tony Sirico (Paulie Gualtieri): "He was one of my best friends in life. He helped me with my career and I'm going to miss him. He's part of my family. Steven Schirripa (Bobby Baccalieri): "Jimmy was a dear friend and like a brother to me. He was a great actor and a great father. I will miss him terribly. I am very sad. Steven Van Zandt (Silvio Dante): "I have lost a brother and a best friend. The world has lost one of the greatest actors of all time. Maureen and I send our deepest sympathy and love to Deborah, Michael, Lily, and all of Jimmy's family. Joe Gannascoli (Vito Spatafore): "Fifty-one and leaves a kid -- he was newly married. His son is fatherless now ... It's way too young.