James Gandolfini is to be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame tonight (13.11.14).

The late 'Sopranos' actor - who died in Italy last June aged 51 - will be commemorated at Convention Hall in Asbury Park in a ceremony attended by the mob drama's creator David Chase, as well as cast members from the show.

The web-based hall recognises New Jersey residents who have made ''invaluable contributions to society and the world beyond'' and a number of other people will also be inducted tonight.

These include NBC News anchor Brian Williams, former Governor Jim Florio, jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, chef Alice Waters, author Dorothy Parker, and basketball icon Patrick Ewing.

Since 2008, 80 people with ties to the state have been inducted, including singers Bruce Springsteen and the late Whitney Houston, the 'Shining' star Jack Nicholson and astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

James - who died of a heart attack while holidaying in Rome - scooped a number of awards for his portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano, including three Emmy Awards for best actor, three Screen Actors Guild awards and a Golden Globe.

'The Sopranos' was voted the best written TV series of all time by the Writers' Guild of America last year.