Brad Pitt Remembers "Gentle Soul" James Gandolfini After Actor's Sudden Death

"I admire Jimmy as a ferocious actor," the 49-year-old star said in a statement

By Alyssa Toomey Jun 20, 2013 5:16 PMTags
Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic

Brad Pitt has spoken out about James Gandolfini's sudden death.

The 49-year-old actor worked closely with the legendary Sopranos star throughout his career—starring alongside Gandolfini in last year's Kill Them Softly, as well as the 2001 film The Mexican (also starring Julia Roberts) and the 1993 Tony Scott-directed flick True Romance.

"I admire Jimmy as a ferocious actor, a gentle soul and a genuinely funny man," Pitt told JustJared.com in a statement. "I am fortunate to have sat across the table from him and am gutted by this loss. I wish his family strength and some semblance of peace."

Gandolfini, who won three Emmys for his brilliant portrayal of Tony Soprano, died Wednesday after suffering a possible heart attack in Rome. 

Since his untimely passing, countless former costars, friends and even New Jersey politicians have all paid tribute to the beloved actor. 

We wish his family all the best.