NEW YORK June 20 (DPI) – James Gandolfini Jr.’s sudden death yesterday prompted not simply shock and grief – it also triggered widespread recounting of personal stories among readers, all confirming that the actor – made famous by his role as mobster Tony Soprano – was a down-to-earth, accessible and warm-hearted person.
A few readers compared Gandolfini’s death, in Italy yesterday at age 51, of an apparent heart attack, to that of Tim Russert, who died suddenly in 2008, also of a heart attack.
But no recent death of a celebrity has spawned such a genuine affection – stories of Gandofini’s generosity and warmth popped up repeatedly on news sites.
The highest point-getting comment on Reddit.com
“I saw him just last week at an event. He was supposed to be seated at a table with a bunch of stars (Alec Baldwin, Elaine Stritch, Bernadette Peters, etc.) but the table ended up full due to some kind of miscommunication. He could have made a thing of it, but instead, he walks over to a table filled with a bunch of acting students, sits down, and begins chatting them up. Didn’t even blink an eye. He was a fantastic actor, but more importantly, he was down to earth and a stand up guy, and this makes me incredibly sad.”
Other popular Reddit comments:
“A buddy of mine — he was a lieutenant in the Army — told me James Gandolfini came to visit the soldiers a few times when they were deployed in Iraq circa 2003/2004. He shook his hand and got a picture with him for humble bragging rights. He would hang out, chit-chat with them and he genuinely cared about getting to know them. The second time he came to visit, he remembered my buddy by name. He said he was the coolest, down-to-earth guy. Rest in peace, Mr. Gandolfini.
P.S. He also made a moving documentary “Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq,” which can attest to how much he cared about our men and women.”
Also:
“I met Mr. Gandolfini as a socially awkward 19 year old on the set of a movie that was never released called Kiddie Ride. I first saw him at rehearsal in SoHo when he showed up on his Moped. (I know what a shock to see Tony Soprano on a Moped) Of all the names he was the biggest but also the nicest and most down to earth. Other actors requested special food, accommodations, and other odd stuff I had to go buy for them. Mr. Gandolfini did not ask for any special treatment. I didn’t feel star struck or weird around him, just a genuine pleasure to be around.”
Finally, a NYTimes.com reader who identified herself as Andrea Ciannavei received 350 recommendations for this comment:
I met James Gandolfini in 2002 playing a waitress in Episode 1 Season 4 of the Sopranos. I had to jump through a lot of hoops for my little part. I was 27 and very nervous.
The night before my shoot, I had a date with a guy who ended up giving me a big hickie on my neck. I was mortified. I showed up to set the next day and the make up lady took a look at me and said “oh my gawd. it’s perfect! Yer a Jersey waitress of course you should have a hickie.” and then proceeded to make it brighter so it really stuck out.
i shot this scene with Gandolfini and Steve Schirippa the entire day. half way through the afternoon – I standing in front of Gandolfini. he’s seated at the bar. I’m standing behind the bar. He looks at me then raises a finger at my throat.
JG: Is that a hickey on your neck?
Me: (giggling) Yes.
JG: Is it real?
Me: Yes.
JG: Ah Salute.
Me: I’m embarrassed.
JG: For what? Don’t be. Listen. If I told you some of the things I used to do in my trailer, it would knock your socks off. Good for you. Someone on this set should be getting hickies. Why not you?