Iconic "Sopranos" actor James Gandolfini was remembered Wednesday at a private wake in his New Jersey hometown ahead of a public viewing in New York City that is expected to draw thousands of family, friends and longtime fans.
The Wednesday wake at Robert Spearing Funeral Home in Park Ridge was invitation-only.
The 51-year-old star of "The Sopranos," who grew up in nearby Westwood, died of a heart attack last Wednesday in Rome.
The actor had been headed to Sicily to appear at the Taormina Film Festival, which paid tribute to him Saturday.
Broadway theaters will dim their marquee lights at 8 p.m. in memory of the actor who earned a Tony Award nomination in 2009 for his role in the award-winning "God of Carnage."
Gandolfini's funeral will be held Thursday at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City.
