Vincent Pastore, 80, has died in his Bronx home, according to U.S. outlets. He was best known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, Tony Soprano’s best friend who ultimately became an FBI informant. The actor appeared in every season of the acclaimed series and left a mark in films such as Goodfellas and Carlito’s Way.
Pastore served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before embarking on a prolific acting career that spanned television and film. He was a member of the ensemble that earned the 2000 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for The Sopranos.
Manager Robert Attermann said Pastore was "passionate about his craft" and always supportive of younger actors. He remembered Pastore as a close friend, loyal, humorous, and generous, and expressed personal sorrow at his passing.
Fans worldwide are sharing memories of the memorable character, while colleagues pay tribute to the actor’s legacy in the entertainment community.
