The "Sopranos" family is paying tribute to one of their own.
The cast of the Emmy-winning HBO series shared tributes on social media after the death of Vincent Pastore. The 80-year-old actor, known for his role as Salvatore Bonpensiero on the show, was found dead at his New York home on Saturday, Aug. 1, his manager confirmed to USA TODAY.
Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher on "The Sopranos," paid tribute to "our beloved friend and collaborator" in an Instagram post and shared a throwback photo of the two together.
"This is a hard one for us, it seems like I've known Vinny forever," he wrote. "We did lots of work together and traveled all over the USA as well as Italy and Australia. Lots of good times. Lots of laughs. Vinny was a kind hearted
brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always."
Lorraine Bracco, who played Tony Soprano's (James Gandolfini) psychiatrist Dr. Melfi, wrote in an Instagram story that Pastore was "such a funny & charming man" and a "beautiful soul," and she called his death "absolutely heartbreaking."
Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Tony's daughter, Meadow, wrote in an Instagram Story that Pastore was a "wonderful actor" and "a kind and loving man," adding that it was "an honor to know you and work with you."
Joe Pantoliano, who played Ralph Cifaretto, also said that while he and Pastore "were never actually on set together," "through our Sopranos family I got to know him over the years," and "I always liked him. He had this incredible appetite for the business and he never lost that spark. That always made me smile."
Jason Cerbone, who played Jackie Aprile Jr., reacted to the "heartbreaking" loss by writing, "Through the years I felt so lucky to have gotten to know you after the show. I always loved when we got the chance to hang out. You were always lots of laughs, but with such a great heart. I truly appreciated how you were always there for me and so supportive."
Outside of "The Sopranos," Pastore also had roles in movies like "Goodfellas" and "Shark Tale" and TV shows like "Law & Order" and "General Hospital." His longtime manager, Robert Attermann, said in a statement shared with USA TODAY that he "was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known."
"For me, losing Vinny is deeply personal," Attermann added. "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 generosity. He leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his memorable performances. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. May his memory be a blessing."
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee.
Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How 'The Sopranos' stars are paying tribute to Vincent Pastore
