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James Gandolfini, star of the ground-breaking television series The Sopranos, passed away suddenly yesterday in Italy at the age of 51.  His role as Tony Soprano, the complicated and brutal New Jersey Mafia boss, set a new standard for television characters. The outpouring of tributes to his unexpected passing continues. Read about him in the CBC, CNN, Independant, Guardian, New Yorker, Globe, and the Toronto Star. Watch the Guardian’s video about him here.

Gandolfini’s work in film and television is available to borrow at the Toronto Public Library. While his iconic role as Tony Soprano may be his best known performance, Gandolfini’s work was actually quite diverse.  In Alive Day Memories – Home From Iraq: the Fight Has Just Begun, he interviews returning soldiers on the challenges they face.  He voiced the character of Carol in the film, Where the Wild Things Are and appeared in the critically acclaimed dark comedy In the Loop.

Listen to Gandolfini tenderly growling his version of In the Night Kitchen in a tribute to Maurice Sendak.

… and watch James on Sesame Street. (so sweet).