I had the pleasure of meeting James Gandolfini on June 10th at the "Stella by Starlight Gala," presented by the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. We spoke only briefly after the red carpet, but it was enough to find inspiration and playful advice on acting.

He shook my hand and asked what my goals were; I replied, "I'm an actress, but I've been working as a TV Host for the past couple years as my full-time job and have learned a lot."

He asked, what can you learn on the red carpet, "The art of bullshitting?"  I agreed: "Yes, bullshit and film, I have a degree on that."

I didn't have a business card on me at the time, but I thought I'd be able to stay in touch and exchange information at the next event he was to attend. I didn't know he had only a little over a week left on this planet. I'm sorry to hear about his passing knowing that I won't be seeing him around or getting advice from him, but I'm happy I was there and had a chance to speak with him.

The problem with life is that there isn't always a next time and we take it for granted, thinking we'll always have a second chance. One lesson Gandolfini taught me is to live life to the fullest and follow your goals, because everything is temporary -- even a legend like Tony Soprano.