The American actor James Gandolfini, best known for his role as Tony Soprano in the hit television series The Sopranos, died of a suspected heart attack in Rome on 19 June.

Gandolfini (51) had been on holidays in the capital with his family, prior to his scheduled appearance at the 59th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily this weekend.

Gandolfini's death was confirmed by his managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, who made the announcement with "immense sadness".

The three time Emmy award-winning actor, who had Neapolitan origins, shot to internationl fame as ruthless New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano, a role he played from 1999 to 2007.

He also played the memorable role of Virgil in the 1993 movie True Romance, and recently appeared in films Zero Dark Thirty and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.