That was the reaction earlier this morning of Steve Van Zandt as word filtered through that his Sopranos co-star James Gandolfini had died in Rome of a suspect heart-attack, aged just 51.

Those sentiments were echoed by Sopranos writer and creator David Chase who added: “He was a genius. Anyone who saw him even in the smallest of his performances knows that. He is one of the greatest actors of this or any time. A great deal of that genius resided in those sad eyes. I remember telling him many times, 'You don't get it. You're like Mozart.' There would be silence at the other end of the phone. For Deborah and Michael and Liliana this is crushing. And it's bad for the rest of the world. He wasn't easy sometimes. But he was my partner; he was my brother in ways I can't explain and never will be able to explain.”

The makers of show, HBO, issued a statement saying: "We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was a special man, a great talent, but more importantly, a gentle and loving person who treated everyone, no matter their title or position, with equal respect. He touched so many of us over the years with his humour, his warmth and his humility. Our hearts go out to his wife and children during this terrible time. He will be deeply missed by all of us."

Sopranos producer Brad Grey weighed in with “Jimmy was one of the most talented, authentic and vulnerable actors of our time. He was unorthodox and truly special in so many ways. He had the sex appeal of Steve McQueen or Brando in his prime as well as the comedic genius of Jackie Gleason.”

Lorraine Bracco, who as Dr. Melfi shared some magical onscreen moments with Gandolfini, says: “We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken.”

The rock band Journey, who soundtracked The Sopranos’ final scene, proffer: "It's truly an honour to have been able to share one of the greatest moments ever in TV history with James Gandolfini. He was an amazing actor – taken way too young – and he'll be missed. Our condolences go out to his family.”

A cut-up John Cusack says: “RIP James Gandolfini. Had the pleasure of working with him and knowing him a bit – always a truth-teller, gent and all around class act.”

"James Gandolfini was a dear friend and a great man. My heart goes out to his family. He will be greatly missed,” is the reaction of Lindsay Lohan and Nancy Sinatra, who cameod on The Sopranos, talks of: “A shocking, brutally sad loss.”

Michael Moore brands him “one of the good guys, kind and generous, and an active supporter of documentary filmmakers” while Justin Timberlake notes: “James Gandolfini passing is so sad. My heart goes out to his family in this time.”

On the homefront, comedian John Bishop says, “Shocked about James Gandolfini. A brilliant actor who will be missed and at 51 was too young to leave us, RIP” and The Coronas profess to being, “Absolutely wrecked about James Gandolfini! You will be missed.”

The And So I Watch You From Afar chaps send “Big love and huge sadness to the wonderful James Gandolfini who died today. One of the goodies.”

Anyway, we’re going to do what any self-respecting Sopranos would do to celebrate Mr. Gandolfini, which is watch Tony whack Ralph.