Michael Imperioli is honoring James Gandolfini on his 60th birthday.
On Saturday (September 18), the 55-year-old actor shared a touching tribute to his The Sopranos co-star on his birthday.
“Dear Jim, Today marks 60 years since you came into this world,” Michael wrote on Instagram along with a photo of he and James at an awards show. “As fate would have it, I am in Rome, the city where you left this world.”
Michael continued, “I will think of you today as I wander these ancient streets. I will remember the laughs most of all. Today I am reminded how fortunate I am to have acted beside you more than I ever did (or ever will, most likely) with anyone else. What a privilege. Thank you for the friendship, generosity and kindness. Love always, Michael. #thesopranos #jamesgandolfini”
Michael and James starred together in HBO’s The Sopranos, which ran from 1999 to 2007.
James died suddenly on June 19, 2013 at the age of 51 from a heart attack while on vacation in Rome.
James’ son Michael will play a younger version of his The Sopranos character Tony Soprano in the upcoming film, The Many Saints of Newark, which will be released on October 1.