Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for playing Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero on The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. His manager, Robert Attermann, confirmed his death.
Pastore was found dead at his home in New York City, according to multiple reports. He had not been heard from for several days before being found. There was no indication of criminality in his death, and the cause was not immediately known.
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, who represented Pastore for over three decades, paid tribute to the actor. He described him as 'one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known.' He added that Pastore 'loved being an actor' and was 'passionate about his craft,' always encouraging and generous with young actors.
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.
Bob McGowan, who managed Pastore during his time on The Sopranos, said he learned of the actor's death on Saturday from Vincent Curatola. McGowan mentioned he had been trying to reach Pastore about a possible job. He praised Pastore as 'the most loyal client' who 'always gave to charity' and would help anyone.
Career
Born in the Bronx in 1946, Pastore grew up in suburban New Rochelle, New York. He enlisted in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and later attended Pace University, graduating from its theater department.
Pastore's film career spanned decades, with roles in Goodfellas, Awakenings, Carlito's Way, and numerous other films. On television, he appeared in shows such as Law & Order, General Hospital, and Hawaii Five-O. He was known for playing mobsters and tough guys.
Pastore appeared in all six seasons of The Sopranos.
His iconic character, Big Pussy, was a friend of Tony Soprano who became an FBI informant, making him a member of Tony's inner circle before his betrayal. The character was killed off in the second series, in one of the show's most memorable storylines. Pastore appeared in all six seasons of the series.
In 2000, Pastore and his The Sopranos castmates won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. He is survived by his daughter Renee.
