A hearse carries the body of actor James Gandolfini to a Manhattan cathedral where family, friends and fans gather for his funeral on Thursday.

The 51-year-old star - who played cigar-smoking New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano on the HBO television show "The Sopranos" - died of a heart attack while visiting Rome with his son, Michael.

Police set up barricades in front of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine as fans crowded sidewalks and celebrities - including New Jersey Governor Chris Christie - arrived to mourn the actor's death.

Gandolfini, who was raised in a working-class neighborhood, shared Tony Soprano's Italian-American heritage and New Jersey roots.

He won three Emmy awards for best actor for his portrayal of the gangster.

Gandolfini is survived by his wife, son and daughter.