Veteran American actor Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the acclaimed HBO crime drama The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80, reports AP.
According to The Associated Press, Pastore was found dead at his home on New York’s City Island after friends and colleagues had been unable to contact him for several days.
His longtime manager, Bob McGowan, said he learned of the actor’s death from fellow The Sopranos cast member Vincent Curatola.
McGowan revealed that he had been trying to reach Pastore about a potential acting project before the news broke.
“He was the most loyal client, and he always gave to charity,” McGowan said. “He was the kind of guy who would help anybody, which is rare in my business.”
Robert Attermann, who represented Pastore for more than three decades, remembered him as a generous and humble man who never turned away fans seeking photographs or autographs.
“Vinny was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known,” Attermann said, adding that the actor was deeply committed to mentoring young performers throughout his career.
Actor Michael Imperioli, who worked alongside Pastore on The Sopranos, also paid tribute on Instagram, recalling decades of friendship and collaboration.
“We did lots of work together and travelled all over the USA as well as Italy and Australia. Lots of good times. Lots of laughs,” Imperioli wrote.
“Vinny was a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always.”
Born in the Bronx and raised in New Rochelle, New York, Pastore served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War before studying at Pace University.
He began his acting career in the 1980s and became known for portraying gangsters and tough characters.
Before achieving widespread recognition on The Sopranos, he appeared in acclaimed films including Goodfellas and Awakenings, both released in 1990.
Pastore’s most celebrated role came as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, one of Tony Soprano’s closest associates whose storyline as an FBI informant became one of the defining arcs of the Emmy-winning series.
He is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.
