Justin Timberlake James Gandolfini Tribute: 'The Sopranos' Actor Died, Age 51

Justin Timberlake, along with many other stars in the television, film and music world, paid tribute to the late James Gandolfini on Twitter - who died yesterday at the age of 51.

"Really though... This James Gandolfini passing is so sad," Timberlake wrote.

"My heart goes out to his family in this time. RIP #takentoosoon," he added.

Gandolfini is perhaps best known for his portrayal as the mobster hitman Tony Soprano in the hit HBO series The Sopranos which aired for six seasons from 1999 to 2007.

The actor was in Italy to attend the 59th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily and was also scheduled to take part in a festival event this weekend with Italian director Gabriele Muccino. He passed away during his stay in Rome.

There has been no official cause of death, with many reports suggesting a heart attack or stroke was the reason for his death.

Sopranos creator David Chase said he was one of the greatest actors of all time.

Timberlake appeared in the role of Jim Berkey in the Coen Brothers film, Llewyn Davis, which previewed at the Cannes Film Festival in May. The film's star Oscar Isaac plays the Dylanesque singer of the title, who navigated New York's folk music scene in the 1960s. The film also stars Carey Mulligan and Max Casella, of the series Doogie Howser, M.D.

The film is scheduled for release in December 6.

Timberlake also stars alongside Ben Affleck in the upcoming film Runner, Runner.

In the movie, Timberlake plays a poor college student attending Princeton with a knack for online poker. He runs into trouble when he bets the house - his tuition money - and loses. He suspects foul play and visits Affleck, who plays a shady offshore businessman. From there, it becomes a mystery of who is tricking whom. The FBI eventually gets involved, further complicating the situation.

Runner, Runner hits theaters September 27.