The world lost a true treasure Wednesday when "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini passed away in Italy at the age of 51.  Numerous stars, including actors, musicians and even a handful of athletes, expressed their grief via social media and interviews since the news of Gandolfini's demise surfaced, including E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt, who also co-starred with Gandolfini on the "Sopranos".  "I have lost a brother and a best friend," Van Zandt stated in a posting on his Facebook page.  "The world has lost one of the greatest actors of all time. Maureen and I send our deepest sympathy and love to Deborah, Michael, Lily, and all of Jimmy's family."

While reports have suffered that Gandolfini may have died following a heart attack or a stroke, his cause of death has officially not been determined.  The 51 year-old actor leaves behind a wife, Deborah, and a 1 year-old daughter named Liliana.  Gandolfini also had a son, Michael, from a previous marriage.  Gandolfini was the star of the "Sopranos," bringing the role of Tony Soprano to life.  Also known as "Little Stevie," Van Zandt portrayed Silvio Dante, Soprano's consigliere.  The two worked together again earlier this year with Sopranos creator David Chase on a film entitled "Not Fade Away."  All three men are natives of New Jersey and have been close friends since bringing the "Sopranos" to America.