Michael Imperioli Pays Tribute to Late 'The Sopranos' Co-Star James Gandolfini on His 60th Birthday

Michael Imperioli is honoring James Gandolfini on what what would have been his 60th birthday.

On Saturday (September 18), the 55-year-old actor shared a touching tribute to his The Sopranos co-star on his birthday.

Click inside to read his message…

“Dear Jim, Today marks 60 years since you came into this world,” Michael wrote on Instagram along with a photo of he and James at an awards show. “As fate would have it, I am in Rome, the city where you left this world.”

Michael continued, “I will think of you today as I wander these ancient streets. I will remember the laughs most of all. Today I am reminded how fortunate I am to have acted beside you more than I ever did (or ever will, most likely) with anyone else. What a privilege. Thank you for the friendship, generosity and kindness. Love always, Michael. #thesopranos #jamesgandolfini”

Michael and James starred together on HBO’s The Sopranos, which ran from 1999 until 2007.

James died suddenly at the age of 51 from a heart attack while on vacation in Rome on June 19, 2013.

James‘ son Michael will be playing a younger version of his The Sopranos character Tony Soprano in the upcoming movie, The Many Saints of Newark, which will be released on October 1. Watch the trailer here.