James Gandolfini of 'The Sopranos' Dies in Italy

He got an offer he couldn't refuse

James Gandolfini -- who famously played Tony Soprano on "The Sopranos" -- died earlier today in Italy … TMZ has learned.

Gandolfini is believed to have suffered a heart attack. He was 51.

Gandolfini was in Italy to attend the 59th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily -- and he was scheduled to participate in a festival event this weekend with Italian director Gabriele Muccino.