Vincent Pastore, ‘The Sopranos’ actor, dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in HBO’s “The Sopranos,” has died at age 80.
In short
- Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in HBO’s “The Sopranos,” has died at age 80.
Vincent Pastore, the veteran actor best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the HBO crime drama “The Sopranos,” has died. He was 80.
Pastore’s longtime manager, Bob McGowan, confirmed the death after learning of it from Vincent Curatola, another actor from the series. Pastore was found at his home on Long Island, New York, after relatives and associates had not heard from him for several days. A cause of death was not immediately announced.
Pastore appeared in 30 episodes of “The Sopranos” during the show’s first two seasons. His character was a close associate of Tony Soprano who became an FBI informant, placing him at the centre of one of the series’ major early storylines.
His screen career began in the 1980s and included appearances in the 1990 films “Goodfellas” and “Awakenings.” He frequently portrayed mobsters and other tough-guy characters across film and television.
Born in the Bronx and raised in New Rochelle, New York, Pastore served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and later attended Pace University. He is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.
