George Pimentel/WireImage, Francois G. Durand/WireImage)Count Gilles Marini among those who lost a good friend today.
Along with numerous celebs who are mourning the death of James Gandolfini, Marini took to Facebook to pay tribute to the actor, who passed away suddenly at 51, and revealed that he spent time with The Sopranos star just last weekend.
"I am heartbroken. My bud James Gandolfini just died. Last Saturday he told me at our kids graduation [that] he was so happy to go with his son to Italy," Marini wrote.
"A boy trip! It was an honor to have met this man, such a great Dad! I spent so much time with James son teaching him soccer. I feel for that kid it must be so hard right now for little [Michael]," he continued.
"Guys say a prayer for him and his family. This is going to be very difficult time for them. I am so so sad! RIP Brother you'll be missed!"
HBO first confirmed that the Emmy-winning actor died while in Rome earlier today. He was reportedly due to appear at the Taurmina Film Festival in Sicily later this week.
"We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family," the network said in a statement. "He was 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."