James Gandolfini
June 25, 2013
James Gandolfini / Actor and pit bull advocate
James Gandolfini (September 18, 1961 – June 19, 2013) died of a heart attack while in Italy last week, and even as we mourn the passing of the brilliant actor who so magnificently brought Tony Soprano to life, we also mourn the loss of an avowed dog lover and staunch pit bull advocate. His own dog, Duke, was his near-constant companion, and his last film, the crime drama Animal Rescue, revolves around the story of an abandoned pit bull pup rescued from a dumpster. It is somehow fitting that the last work of this warm, generous, and extraordinarily talented man involved two of his greatest passions – acting and pit bulls.
Rest in peace, James Gandolfini. You will be missed.