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Veteran actor Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. According to Deadline, Pastore was found dead at his home in the Bronx on Saturday. A neighbour reportedly checked on the actor after not seeing or hearing from him for about three days. His exact cause of death has not been revealed yet, and the matter is still under investigation.
CBS News reported that authorities do not suspect any criminal activity.
Pastore became a familiar face to audiences through his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in The Sopranos, one of television’s most loved crime dramas.
After his passing, his longtime manager, Robert Attermann, paid an emotional tribute to the actor in a statement
shared with CBS News.
“I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before The Sopranos made him a household name. To the world, he will always be remembered as the unforgettable ‘Big Pussy,’ but to those of us who knew him, he was so much more,” Attermann said.
He added, “He loved being an actor. He was passionate about his craft and was always encouraging, respectful, and generous with young actors, taking the time to offer guidance and support whenever he could.”
Remembering their long friendship, Attermann also said, “For me, losing Vinny is deeply personal. Over more than three decades, I had the honor of watching not only his remarkable career but also the incredible person he was. I will miss his friendship, his loyalty, his humor, and his heart.”
Born on July 14, 1946, in the Bronx, Pastore was raised in New Rochelle, New York. He served in the US Navy, studied drama at Pace University and worked in nightclubs before deciding to become an actor in his 40s after meeting actors Matt and Kevin Dillon.
Before The Sopranos made him a household name, Pastore appeared in films like Goodfellas and Carlito’s Way. He later featured in Gotti, Mickey Blue Eyes, Shark Tale, Broadway’s Chicago, and reality shows including Celebrity Apprentice.
In 2000, Pastore and his The Sopranos co-stars won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. The cast received another nomination the following year.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee. His cause of death has not yet been officially announced.
