James Gandolfini Death: Colleagues, Fans React to Passing of "Genius" >>Hollywood

James Gandolfini died tragically Wednesday at the age of 51.

Not surprisingly, the star's abrupt passing stunned and saddened Hollywood, with those who worked with Gandolfini reflecting on his acting genius.

"James is one of the greatest actors of this or any time," said The Sopranos creator David Chase. "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."

Chase acknowledged, "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."

"For Deborah and Michael and Liliana this is crushing," added Chase, referencing the wife, son and baby daughter James Gandolfini leaves behind.

"And it's bad for the rest of the world."

Co-star Steven Schirripa said: "Jimmy was a dear friend and like a brother to me. He was a great actor and a great father. I will miss him terribly. I am very sad."

Steven Van Zandt, another Sopranos cast member who played Silvio Dante on the HBO drama, Tweeted: "I have lost a brother and a best friend."

"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."

His managers, Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders said, "Our hearts are shattered ... he and his family were part of our family for years and we are all grieving."

Famous friends, co-stars and admirers also took to social media to tweet their condolences for the fallen star. Here's a collection of their tributes:

Alyssa Milano: "Rest in peace, Mr. Gandolfini."

Brooke Burke: "Life is way too short & precious. So sad to hear of James Gandolfini passing 2day. Prayers for him & his loved ones. So sad at young 51"

Lance Bass Download : "So so so sad about James Gandolfini - 51 is way too young."

Jerry Ferrera: "Rip James Gandolfini. One of the greatest actors of our generation."

Ralph Macchio: "RIP James Gandolfini. Terrible news."

B.J. Novak: "James Gandolfini on "Inside The Actors Studio": one of the most inspiring interviews about acting I have ever seen."

Sophia Bush: "So, so sad. A huge loss for storytellers..."

Ewan McGregor: "Jesus. The world just lost one of its great actors. James Gandolfini has passed away. Thoughts to his family. Such a talent. I'm saddened."

Octavia Spencer: "RIP James Gandolfini. So sad!!"

Bethenny Frankel: "Just heard TV icon James Gandolfini has died. I'm shocked. I'm sad. I loved his work. My heart goes out to his family."

Leah Remini: "R.I.P James Gandolfini. My prayers to his family and friends. He will certainly be missed by us who loved watching him"

Pauly D: "Wow RIP #JamesGandolfini !!!! My Favorite Show Of All Time The Sopranos, My Heart And Prayers Go Out To Your Loved Ones"

Lucy Hale: "So sad to hear about James Gandolfini. RIP"

Jonah Hill: "I'm truly heartbroken to hear that James Gandolfini has passed away. He is one of my all time favorite actors. Tragic loss."

Russell Simmons: "Not tony soprano! Damn. Such a good guy and a great actor. James, rest in peace..."

Richard Roeper: "Hard to believe Mr. Gandolfini was just 37 when The Sopranos premiered. Gone way too soon at 51."

Rose McGowan: "I am heartbroken about James Gandolfini. He was a gentle giant and great man. I love this picture, I loved him."

Wayne Brady: "RIP James Gandolfini...51 yrs old. So sad."

Johnny Knoxville: "James Gandolfini RIP. xo"

Carson Daly: "SO SAD! PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY- wow- Shocked by this news today...."

Rob Lowe: "James Gandoldini gave the greatest performance in the history of television. He was also a kind man. Condolences to his family."

Piers Morgan: "Amazing outpouring of tributes to James Gandolfini - reflective of the huge impact he had as Tony Soprano, one of TV's greatest characters."

Robin Williams: "My thoughts and prayers go out to James Gandolfini's family. An extraordinary actor. RIP, Mr. Gandolfini."

Susan Sarandon: "So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I've ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family."

Tom Arnold: "James Gandolfini was a great guy. Better actor. I'm sorry for his family."

Debra Messing: "Heartbreaking news about James Gandolfini... Shocking. HUGE loss. Kind, humble, and a Singular Talent. Rest in Peace."

Bette Midler: "The great James Gandolfini passed away today. Only 51. I can't believe it."

Gilles Marini: "R.I.P James Gandolfini. Was an honor to teach your son Soccer and to have known You. You were such a great man and father. #Heartbroken"

Christina Applegate: "I am so deeply saddened by the untimely passing of sweet James Gandolfini! My heart is broken for his family!! I'm in shock"

Steve Carell: "James Gandolfini. What a great loss."

Olivia Wilde: "James Gandolfini was a kind, funny, wonderful guy. I'm so lucky to have worked with him. Sending love to his family. Such a sad, sad day."

Jimmy Kimmel: "I'm sadder about James Gandolfini than everyone else."

Rainn Wilson: "Arrivederci, James Gandolfini. You were one of the great greats. We'll miss your dangerou