New Jersey's flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor Gandolfini

TRENTON, N.J., June 21 (UPI) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has ordered flags on state buildings to be flown at half-staff Monday to honor the late actor James Gandolfini.

The New Jersey-born star of the classic mob drama "The Sopranos" died of a heart attack Wednesday while on vacation with his family in Italy. He was 51.

"The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Monday, June 24, 2013, in recognition and mourning of the passing of James Gandolfini," Christie said in a statement Friday. "James Gandolfini was an iconic actor and will be remembered for the timeless impact he left upon television and film in the State of New Jersey and across our nation."

The Hollywood Reporter said Christie previously ordered flags flown at half-staff after the deaths of E-Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons and singer Whitney Houston -- both of whom were also New Jersey icons.