Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in The Sopranos, has died. He was 80.
Pastore was found dead at his home in the Bronx, New York, on Saturday after a neighbour became concerned when they had not heard from him for several days, per People. Deadline reported that the cause of death is still under investigation. He is survived by his daughter, Renee, per TMZ.
Pastore’s longtime manager, Robert Altman, confirmed the news and remembered the actor as a kind and generous person.
“He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph. He genuinely appreciated the people who supported him and always made them feel valued,” he told People.
Another representative, Bob McGowan, also paid tribute, calling Pastore “one of the nicest guys.”
Pastore became widely known for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, one of Tony Soprano’s closest friends, in HBO‘s hit crime drama The Sopranos.
Before landing the role, he appeared in films including Goodfellas and Men of Respect. He later starred in The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the HBO film Gotti.
Throughout his career, Pastore also appeared in several television shows, including Law & Order, The Practice, and Hawaii Five-0.
