Christie has called Gandolfini a 'New Jersey treasure.' | AP Photos Christie: N.J. to honor Gandolfini

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Monday in memory of “Sopranos” star and New Jersey native James Gandolfini.

Gandolfini died Wednesday in Rome at age 51.


The governor’s order says Gandolfini was an iconic actor who “left a timeless impact upon television and film in the state of New Jersey and across our nation.”

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Gandolfini was born in Westwood, N.J., grew up in Park Ridge and attended Rutgers, the state’s flagship public university.

The governor says the actor acclaimed for his role as mobster Tony Soprano was also an advocate, in two documentaries, for U.S. servicemen and women and veterans.

Christie has called Gandolfini a “New Jersey treasure.” Earlier in his tenure, the governor ordered flags flown at half-staff for two other New Jersey entertainers, singer Whitney Houston and musician Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

On Sunday, a family spokesman said Gandolfini's body may be repatriated as soon as Monday. Michael Kobold told reporters that the "provisional plan" is to depart Rome on Monday afternoon for the United States, several days earlier than anticipated. He did not specify which U.S. airport.

Kobold thanked Italian and U.S. authorities, including Secretary of State John Kerry, his predecessor Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton for helping with arrangements.

Kobold has said an autopsy revealed the cause of death was a heart attack. Authorities have not released the report.