Kristen Stewart starred opposite James Gandolfini in the 2010 independent movie Welcome to the Rileys, portraying a stripper who grows close to the actor’s misguided father.
And in light of Gandolfini’s death last week, the actress has released a statement that expressed her shock and heartbreak over the unexpected passing.
“When I heard of James’ passing I was in New Orleans, where we met shooting, and every memory flooded back and gutted me. I’ll hold that time near to me forever. He was immeasurably great. My heart goes out to his beloved family.”
In a 2009 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stewart gushed over Gandolfini.
”Jim was… the sh-t,” she said with a laugh. “He’s quiet. We got along well because we let it happen the way it’s supposed to. It was very organic, very cool.”
A funeral for Gandolfini is scheduled to take place Thursday in New York City.