A retrospective of the career of James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO’s ‘‘The Sopranos’’ helped create one of TV’s greatest drama series and turned the mobster stereotype on its head, died on Wednesday, June 19 in Italy. He was 51.

Above, the actor attended the Los Angeles premiere of “Nicky Deuce” on May 20, 2013.

Gandolfini and the cast of “Get Shorty’’ were nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award in 1996 (outstanding performance by a cast).

Pictured: James Gandolfini, left, and John Travolta in the movie “Get Shorty.’’

This undated publicity photo shows actor James Gandolfini in his role as Tony Soprano, head of the New Jersey crime family portrayed in HBO’s “The Sopranos.”

The hit cable television drama often featured Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano in therapeutic sessions with his psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi, as depicted by Emmy-Award winning actress Lorraine Bracco.

Above, a scene of the two performers in a scene from the series’ fourth season.

James Gandolfini, right, posed with David Chase, creator of “The Sopranos” after a 1999 panel discussion at the Writers Guild in Beverly Hills, Calif.

James Gandolfini and his ‘Sopranos’ co-star Edie Falco won big at the 2000 Golden Globe Awards: Gandolfini for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama, and Falco for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama, both for their roles in “The Sopranos”.

In 2000, James Gandolfini accepted his Emmy Award for lead actor in a drama series for his role in “The Sopranos.”

Gandolfini won three Emmys and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano.

This undated publicity image features actors from the original cast of “The Sopranos”. From left, Tony Sirico, Steven Van Zandt, James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, and Vincent Pastore.

Gandolfini shared the spotlight with Brad Pitt for several films, including 1993’s “True Romance,’’ 2001’s “The Mexican,’’ and 2012’s “Killing Them Softly.’’

From left: Julia Roberts as Samantha Barzel and James Gandolfini as Leroy in ’’The Mexican,’’ a 2001 film directed by Gore Verbinski.

From left: James Lipton interviewed James Gandolfini during a 2004 taping on “Inside the Actor’s Studio’’ where Gandolfini revealed a softer side. Watch video clips from the segment in Culture Desk.

In 2004, Gandolfini starred opposite Cambridge’s own Ben Affleck in the romantic comedy “Surviving Christmas.’’

From left: Drew Latham (Ben Affleck) admires Tom Valco’s (James Gandolfini) new wheels in the film “Surviving Christmas.’’

James Gandolfini as Mickey in “Killing Them Softly.’’

James Gandolfini’s talents extended to Broadway, where in 2009 he was nominated for a Tony Award for best actor in a play (“God of Carnage”).

Above: Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden in a scene from the stage production.

James Gandolfini expanded his repertiore in the 2013 comedy “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.”

Above: Gandolfini acts in a scene from the movie with Steve Carell.

Though he was best known for his role in “The Sopranos,” Gandolfini continued to act prolifically after the conclusion of the HBO series.

Above, Gandolfini opposite of actor Brad Pitt in the 2012 film “Killing them Softy.”

After news broke of Gandolfini’s death on June 19, a reserved sign sat on the booth where the last episode of the “The Sopranos” was filmed at Holsten’s ice cream parlor in Bloomfield, N.J.