James Gandolfini
Photo: Getty Images

As the world continues to mourn the loss of "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini, new details of his death have begun to emerge.

, Gandolfini, 51, was at the Hotel Exedra in Rome, when he became ill around 10 p.m. local time on Wednesday (June 19). His son, Michael, 13, called the hotel's reception desk for help, and when members of the staff arrived in Gandolfini's room, they discovered him in cardiac arrest and immediately called for an ambulance. Paramedics took the actor to Policlinico Umberto I hospital in central Rome, where doctors attempted to revive him for nearly 40 minutes before pronouncing him dead.

Gandolfini's body has since been transferred from the hospital to the Rome city morgue, where an autopsy will take place Friday, at least 24 hours after death occurred, as required by Italian law. After the autopsy, ABC News reports that the U.S. Embassy will work with the morgue to bring Gandolfini's body back to the U.S.

The actor was expected to attend the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily this weekend, and receive the "Taormina City Prize." Organizers are now planning a tribute to Gandolfini during the Festival.

RIP James Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I've ever met

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) June 20, 2013

As news of his death began to spread Wednesday, Gandolfini's friends and fellow actors — including Steve Carell, Ewan McGregor, Russell Crowe and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie — took to Twitter to express their sadness. His "Sopranos" co-stars Steven Van Zandt and Lorraine Bracco released statements remembering the actor's kindness and talent, calling him "a brother and a best friend," and "a giant."

And in a separate statement, "Sopranos" creator David Chase called Gandolfini a reluctant "genius."

"He is one of the greatest actors of this or any time ... 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's statement read, in part. "He wasn't east sometimes. But he was my partner, he was my brother in ways I can't explan and never will be able to explain."

Really though... This James Gandolfini passing is so sad. My heart goes out to his family in this time. RIP #takentoosoon

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 20, 2013

Gandolfini's popularity extended far and wide, as evidenced by the respects paid by everyone from Senator John McCain, who called him "one of the nicest guys I've ever met," to Justin Timberlake, who tweeted "This James Gandolfini passing is so sad. My heart goes out to his family in this time," adding the hashtag #takentoosoon.

Gandolfini is survived by his wife, Deborah Lin, his daughter Liliana, 8 months old, and his son, Michael, from a previous marriage.

James Gandolfini
Photo: MTV News

When news spread that "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini died at the age of 51 on Wednesday (June 19), Hollywood quickly offered an outpour of love for and memories of the beloved actor. While he was best known for his role as Tony Soprano on the acclaimed HBO show, his influence stretched far beyond that, even to those who never had the honor of working with him.

HBO remembered the legendary actor as a "special man" who not only was an incredible actor, but an outstanding person. "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."

Meanwhile, celebrities took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the news. Jimmy Kimmel insisted that he was the most forlorn person, saying, "I'm sadder about James Gandolfini than everyone else."

His "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" co-star Steve Carell called his death "unbelievably sad" and called Gandolfini "a fine man." Meanwhile, Carell's "Office" co-star B.J. Novak linked to the actor's "Inside the Actor's Studio" interview, calling it "one of the most inspiring interviews about acting I have ever seen."

James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man.

— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) June 20, 2013

Ewan McGregor seemed stunned by the news, writing, "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." Russell Crowe recalled his first introduction to the actor, writing, "First met Jimmy back in '94. He was roommates in NY with Lenny Loftin. Lovely Man."

"Star Trek: The Next Generation" actor Brent Spiner called his death "a tragedy," adding, "He was a great, great actor." Seth Green admitted he was "stunned," calling Gandolfini "a powerful actor & a truly sweet man." Thomas Lennon offered a decidedly more contemplative response, saying "Pines are truly barren tonight."

Sad to hear about James Gandolfini . First met Jimmy back in '94.He was roommates in NY with Lenny Loftin. Lovely man. RIP Jimmy

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) June 20, 2013

Actress Mia Farrow called the news "awful awful," and reiterated his talent. "He was a great actor. Just great," she said. Bryan Greenberg, who worked with Gandolfini, celebrated the actor's generosity and kindness. "Both times I had small roles but he treated me with respect. RIP."

Molly Ringwald offered a simple statement of condolences, saying "You will be missed." Eli Roth, on the other hand, highlighted Gandolfini's television legacy: "His iconic performance changed the way I looked at cable television and what was possible."

James Gandolfini. You will be missed.

— Molly Ringwald (@MollyRingwald) June 20, 2013

Patton Oswalt, meanwhile, referenced the actor's terrific performance in "True Romance" in his remembrance. "Death needs to get stabbed in the foot with a corkscrew by Patricia Arquette," he said.

James Gandolfini's passing is an awful shock. He was a fine actor, a Rutgers alum and a true Jersey guy.

— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) June 20, 2013

Although New Jersey Governor Chris Christie tweeted multiple times about the New Jersey-born actor, his first reaction was the most poignant. He said, "James Gandolfini's passing is an awful shock. He was a fine actor, a Rutgers alum and a true Jersey guy."

Hunter Hayes and Christina Garibaldi
Photo: MTV News

Hunter Hayes's debut album may have given him two #1 singles and three Grammy nominations, but Hayes still felt something was missing.

That's why the country star re-released his debut album with Encore, which includes eight new or re-recorded songs featuring duets with Jason Mraz and Ashley Monroe, who will be opening for Hayes on his upcoming CMT Let's Be Crazy Tour.

"This is an update. It's not brand-new, but it's just the rest of the story," Hayes told MTV News before he took the stage at Webster Hall Tuesday night as part of MTV's Artist to Watch LIVE series. "[It's] the summary of everything and the closing of the chapter."

Yet, with so much new material, many of Hayes' dedicated fanbase, a.k.a, the Hayniacs, were wondering why the country star didn't release this as a second album. While he's started writing for his sophomore release, he told us he has no idea when it will be released, explaining that it's "locked in a room."

"I don't want to rush [my next record]," he explained. "I'm not here to rush a record out, and I wanted to make sure that my first record that I could finish it and make sure that everything that could have been on it I put on it. I do believe that there is a time when you have to close the door and be like, 'No you can't touch it, you cannot go back,' but I felt like I had one opportunity to go back in and do it. And honestly, I don't know if we planned it this way, we just kind of came up with the idea and said, 'This is the right thing to do for this record.' "

Hayes dropped Encore the same day as Kanye West, J. Cole and Mac Miller, who predicted in a tweet that Hayes would "sell more than all of us combined."

"I'm honored," Hayes said in response to Mac. "That's funny. It's cool to just be releasing an album in categories with all really cool artists like that."

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