‘The Sopranos’ Star Vincent Pastore Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, the veteran actor best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80.
Bob McGowan, Pastore’s longtime manager, confirmed his death to The Associated Press. McGowan said he learned the news Saturday from Vincent Curatola, another actor from The Sopranos.
According to McGowan, Pastore was found at his home on New York’s City Island after friends and associates had been unable to reach him for several days. McGowan said he had recently been trying to contact the actor about a possible acting job.
“He was the most loyal client and he always gave to charity,” McGowan said, describing Pastore as someone who was always willing to help others.
Born in the Bronx and raised in nearby New Rochelle, New York, Pastore served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before later attending Pace University.
A Career Playing Tough Guys
Pastore began appearing in films in the 1980s and built a career portraying gangsters, mobsters and other intimidating characters.
Among his notable film appearances were roles in the 1990 classics Goodfellas and Awakenings.
But it was his role on The Sopranos that made him a household name among television audiences.
Pastore appeared in 30 episodes of the acclaimed HBO drama as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, a longtime friend and associate of Tony Soprano. His character becomes an FBI informant, creating one of the show’s most memorable and emotional storylines.
Although Pastore was frequently cast as a tough guy or gangster, those who knew him remembered him for his generosity and loyalty away from the screen.
He is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.