James Gandolfini Remembered by Edie Falco and Sopranos Costars for His Talent and Kindness

Vincent Pastore and Joseph R. Gannascoli express regrets over death of actor Wednesday at age 51

Edie Falco is morning the loss of her TV hubby, James Gandolfini.

The Sopranos star issued a statement via Showtime about her longtime costar's tragic death Wednesday, mourning the loss of "a man of tremendous depth and sensitivity, with a kindness and generosity beyond words."

"I am shocked and devastated by Jim's passing," she said. "I consider myself very lucky to have spent 10 years as his close colleague."

"My heart goes out to his family. As those of us in his pretend one hold on to the memories of our intense and beautiful time together," she continued. "The love between Tony and Carmela was one of the greatest I've ever known."

Joseph R. Gannascoli, who played Vito Spatafore alongside James on The Sopranos, said in a statement that he was "forever indebted to him," adding: "He came with his son and spoke at my wedding, came to my restaurant to meet fans sick as a dog in the rain and stayed for hours...Just a humble and gifted actor and person."

Vincent Pastore, who played "Big Pussy" on the long running mob hit, acknowledged how much his late costar impacted his own career. "None of us would have never made it to the level of stardom if it weren't for Jimmy," he said in a statement. "He was a brother, a great friend and a great actor. When you were in a scene with Jimmy it shined…He was a perfectionist, but always wanted to make sure you were happy with the scene as well."

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"He will now become even bigger in death than he was in life," Vincent added. "When I would see Jimmy I would laugh with him and hug the guy...now when I think of Jimmy, I cry and will cry for some time to come. God bless Jimmy and his family. Rest in peace."

Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos, issued a statement saying, "Jimmy treated us all like family with a generosity, loyalty and compassion that is rare in this world. Working with him was a pleasure and a privilege. I will be forever grateful having had a friend the likes of Jimmy."

Journey's Neal Schon also weighed in, telling E! News, "It was an honor to have had our song 'Don't Stop Believin''  used in the final Sopranos scene,  and we all will miss James Gandolfini as he has  lways been an amazingly talented actor. My heart goes out to his family and friends."

—Additional reporting by Tierney Brickerand James Chairman