The Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore dies at 80

NEW YORK – Vincent Pastore, best known as mob enforcer turned informant Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO hit series The Sopranos (1999 to 2007), has died at the age of 80.

The American actor’s manager, Robert Attermann, confirmed his death, but did not give details.

Hollywood news outlet Deadline reported that the native New Yorker was found dead on Aug 1 in his home in The Bronx.

Born on July 14, 1946, Pastore served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War before earning a university degree in drama.

He was often cast as a quintessential New York gangster, with film roles in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990) and Brian De Palma’s Carlito’s Way (1993).

But Pastore’s signature role was as “Big Pussy”, a right-hand man to James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano who later became a Federal Bureau of Investigation informant.

Pastore’s character’s murder at the end of Season 2 is one of the most iconic scenes in the Emmy-winning series’ long run.

“Not in the face, ok?” he says, before he is shot multiple times at point-blank range by Soprano and two other associates.

He made guest appearances on many television series, including Law & Order (1990 to 2021) and The Practice (1997 to 2004), and did voice acting in the animated Shark Tale (2004).

He also appeared on several reality shows, including The Celebrity Apprentice (2008 to 2017).

“I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before The Sopranos made him a household name,” Attermann said in a statement.

“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,” he said.

“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.” AFP