James Gandolfini, the star of hit US television show The Sopranos, has died in Italy aged 51.

Entertainment industry bible Variety says Gandolfini died of a possible heart attack while on holiday.

Television production company HBO has confirmed Gandolfini's death, saying he was in Rome at the time.

As well as starring in The Sopranos, Gandolfini recently appeared in the films Zero Dark Thirty and Incredible Burt Wonderstone.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Lin, and a son.

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