Television

Terrible news for TV fans: James Gandolfini, who played mobster Tony Soprano on HBO's seminal drama "The Sopranos," died suddenly today at the age of 51. Gandolfini was traveling in Italy on vacation when he fell ill; conflicting reports have him suffering either a heart attack or a stroke. He is survived by his wife, [...]Actor James Gandolfini Dies at 51

James Gandolfini's final film will be Fox Searchlight's crime drama "Animal Rescue," starring Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace. The film's director Michael Roskam offered this statement to TheWrap regarding Gandolfini's tragic death: Related Articles: James Gandolfini Death: 10 of Tony Soprano's Most Memorable Moments (Videos) James Gandolfini Death: Hollywood Reacts to 'The Sopranos' Star's Passing James Gandolfini, 'Sopranos' Star, Dead at 51 read more

The future of the project, which would have seen Gandolfini star as Jack Stone, a downtrodden jailhouse attorney who frequents police stations for clients, is now in limbo. HBO filmed a pilot on the project and passed before changing course and greenlighting the drama as a miniseries. A new production date had yet to be determined for the retooled effort. A representative for HBO noted it was too soon to know whether the series would move forward or not.More at Hollywood Reporter

James Gandolfini died Wednesday at age 51, of a possible heart attack, an HBO rep confirmed to TheWrap. Gandolfini played many memorable characters on TV and in film, but arguably no role is more memorable than his portrayal of the iconic Tony Soprano, the patriarch of HBO's "The Sopranos." read more

James Gandolfini's death at 51-years-old hit the industry like a ton of bricks on Wednesday. "The Sopranos" star died while on vacation in Rome, an HBO spokeswoman confirmed to TheWrap. Cause of death hasn't been confirmed, though reports have said he died of possible heart attack. HBO released the following statement: Related Articles: 'Not Fade Away' Trailer: Wear a Tie to Dinner With James Gandolfini Or Else 'Sopranos' Tops 'Seinfeld' as TV's Best-Written Show, Writers Guild Says Callbacks: Gandolfini, Robbins Enter HBO's 'Cinema'; Kurt Russell's Back in Action read more

The premium cable network ordered seven episodes of the drama in May.read more

Burn Notice season 7 episode 3 “Down Range” airs on Thursday, June 20 at 10pm on USA Network. We’ve rounded-up every spoiler bits you need to know, check them all out below: Synopsis: Sam and Jesse travel to the Dominican Republic after Michael asks for their help with a high-stakes trade involving an international bomber. Meanwhile, Fiona must intervene when a cutthroat bookie tries to extort Madeline for an unpaid debt. Promotional Photos: Promo Clips:

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ movie finds its director via Rickey.org Sam Taylor-Johnson with husband, actor Aaron Johnson (Credit: CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images) The Fifty Shades of Grey movie is still a long way off, but the project has begun the process of moving forward, as a director for the adaptation of the best-selling novel by E.L. James has been found. That director is Sam Taylor-Johnson, who directed the 2009 drama Nowhere Boy, about the childhood of John Lennon in Liverpool. It was during the filming of that movie that Taylor-Johnson met her husband, actor Aaron Johnson, who is twenty-four years her junior. “I am excited to be charged with the evolution of Fifty Shades of Grey from page to screen,” said Taylor-Johnson in a statement. “For the legions of fans, I want to say that I will honor the power of Erika’s book and the characters of Christian and Anastasia. They are under my skin too.” E.L. James was the one who broke the news on Twitter earlier today, and an announcement from Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Langley and Focus Features CEO James Schamus made the news official. “Sam’s unique ability to gracefully showcase complex relationships dealing with love, emotion and sexual chemistry make her the ideal director to bring Christian and Anastasia’s relationship to life,” said producer Michael De Luca in a statement. “E L James’ characters and vivid storytelling require a director who is willing to take risks and push the envelope where needed, and Sam is a natural fit.” The three controversial, erotic Fifty Shades novels have sold over 70 million copies worldwide, prompting Universal and Focus Features to snatch up the movie rights for a whopping $5 million. The film studios have brought in writer Kelly Marcel to write the script for the first film in the series, with DeLuca and Dana Brunetti producing. Via: The Hollywood Reporter The Voice • American Idol • The X Factor

UPDATED: The "Sopranos" star died Wednesday of a heart attack in Rome at age 51.read more

Graceland episode 3 “Heat Run” airs on Thursday, June 20 at 10pm on USA Network. We’ve rounded-up every spoiler bits you need to know, check them all out below: Synopsis: Briggs calls on the house to help Lauren with her case against the Russian Mafia and Charlie gets into some hot water when her C.I. proves unreliable during a dangerous drug deal. Promotional Photos: Promo Clips: (Thanks to THR for sharing this sneak peek video.)