In the week following James Gandolfini's unexpected passing, many of Hollywood's elite have expressed their condolences for his family and the industries loss. While Kristen Stewart is notoriously introverted when it comes to the media, she did open up about her reaction to the tragic news.
Stewart, 23, starred with the Emmy-winning actor in the 2010 indie film Welcome to the Rileys.According to OnTheRedCarpet.com, the two bonded during filming due to their "mutually introverted" behaviors on set. While Stewart and Gandolfini are part of highly celebrated films and television phenomenons (he in The Sopranosand her in Twilight) they both maintained low profiles in Hollywood.
In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, the actress said "When I heard of James' passing I was in New Orleans, where we met shooting, and every memory flooded back and gutted me." In reference to The Rileys she said, "I'll hold that time near to me forever. He was immeasurably great. My heart goes out to his beloved family."
The 51-year-old held great admiration for his co-star as well. ""Kristen Stewart is one of the mad ones. But mad in a beautiful way. And she is determined to make people mad," he wrote in a performance review for Variety. "To show them she is more than Bella in Twilight. To show them she does burn, and smolder, and wants more out of her career and life. And smolder she does."
The critically acclaimed television actor and Broadway actor passed away last Friday in Rome, Italy. According to USA Today, Gandolfini was in Italy for the Taormina Film Festival where he was to receive an award. He was said to have spent his final days in great spirits with his son touring Italy.