James Gandolfini has sadly passed away, there’s been a Sunrise shuffle for Channel Seven and Princess Mary is headed to Sydney for a huge celebration.
By Chloe Schneider
James Gandolfini Dead at 51
Emmy Award winning actor James Gandolfini, who secured a place in our hearts playing The Sopranos crime boss Tony Soprano, has sadly passed away at age 51. HBO confirmed the tragic news to the LA Times earlier today and released an official statement saying, “He was a special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone, no matter their title or position, with equal respect. He touched so many of us over the years with his humor, his warmth, and his humility.”
Gandolfini was travelling in Rome for a vacation and was scheduled to attend the Taormina Film festival when he died suddenly. The cause is yet to be confirmed but a HBO press representative has suggested he may have had a heart attack.
Celebrities and fans alike have been sharing their thoughts and admiration of the late star on Twitter. Susan Sarandon echoed HBO’s statement saying, “So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I’ve ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family.”
Our thoughts are with Gandolfini’s family and friends.
The Sunrise Shuffle: Melissa Doyle Leaving Sunrise
After fourteen years on the job, Melissa Doyle has announced she’s leaving Channel Seven’s popular breakfast show Sunrise. The warm and wonderful star is leaving co-host David ‘Kochie’ Koch to be the face of a new primetime news initiative on Seven. Meanwhile, Weekend Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage will be filling the very big shoes Melissa Doyle has left behind on Sunrise.
In her official announcement, Mel said, “I’ve cherished every moment and every experience on Sunrise. It’s with that experience and support from the team that I am able to take this next step. I’m honoured that the Network has given me this incredible new opportunity and I am unbelievably excited about the new challenges ahead.”
The Sunrise shuffle came as a bit of a surprise to everyone and we must admit, we just can’t imagine ‘Brekky Central’ without the gorgeous Mel! But all’s well that ends well – we’re sure Samantha will be a worthy replacement and Mel fans will still get their fix – just in a different time slot.
Princess Mary Headed to Sydney
Princess Mary of Denmark is heading to Sydney! The gorgeous royal and her husband Crown Prince Frederik are headed to our seaside city as patrons of the Opera House’s 40th birthday celebrations.
The couple’s birthday visit is the perfect way to celebrate the landmark building’s milestone — not only is Princess Mary an Australian who met her Danish husband in a pub not too far from the landmark building, but the Opera House was designed by a Danish architect Jorn Utzon.
Opera House chief executive Louise Herrom said the couple embodied the enduring links between Australia and Denmark and that Crown Princess Mary is, “absolutely loved by the Australian public.”
The birthday celebrations will last for one week starting on October 20 and will include a concert that will recreate the first-ever musical performance that opened the Opera House in 1973. It’s sure to be a big moment for Sydney and one that won’t soon be forgotten. We can’t wait
