Veteran American actor Vincent Pastore, best known for portraying Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the acclaimed television series The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80.
Pastore’s longtime manager, Bob McGowan, confirmed his death to The Associated Press, saying he learned the news from fellow Sopranos actor Vincent Curatola.
According to McGowan, Pastore was found dead at his home on New York’s City Island after friends and colleagues had been unable to reach him for several days.
McGowan said he had been attempting to contact the actor regarding a potential acting role before learning of his passing.
“He was the most loyal client and he always gave to charity,” McGowan said. “He was the kind of guy who would help anybody, which is rare in my business.”
Pastore built a career spanning more than four decades, appearing in numerous films and television productions. He featured in acclaimed movies such as Goodfellas and Awakenings, both released in 1990, where he became known for portraying mobsters and tough guy characters.
His breakthrough came with HBO’s The Sopranos, where he played Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, one of Tony Soprano’s closest friends whose storyline as an FBI informant became one of the series’ defining moments. He appeared in 30 episodes of the award winning crime drama.
Born in the Bronx, Pastore grew up in New Rochelle, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before attending Pace University, according to his IMDb biography.
Beyond acting, colleagues remembered him for his generosity, loyalty and willingness to support charitable causes.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.
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