Longtime City Island resident and Sopranos cast member Vincent Pastore is found dead at his home.
Sadly, actor Vincent Pastore has died at the age of 80, according to multiple news reports. Actor Vincent Pastore... known for playing "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on H B O's "The Sopranos"... has died. He was eighty.
Born in the Bronx on July fourteenth... nineteen forty six... Pastore served in the Navy during the Vietnam War... before earning a drama degree from Pace University. He broke into film with small roles in "Goodfellas" and "Carlito's Way"... before landing the "Sopranos" role that made him a household name.
He later appeared in "Shark Tale" and "Revolver"... and hosted a celebrity interview show on Sirius X M. Pastore is survived by his daughter... Renee.
According to neighbors, everyone's cousin Vinny was found unresponsive at his home in the Bronx on Saturday afternoon after not being heard from for a few days; a friend and neighbor discovered him and called it in. NYPD and FDNY responded, and the cause of death hasn't been confirmed yet, it's being investigated. He was 80.
He was of course best known as "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on The Sopranos, but had a long run playing mob-adjacent roles going back to Goodfellas and Carlito's Way, plus later gigs like Shark Tale and a SiriusXM interview show. Born in the Bronx, Navy vet from the Vietnam era, Pace University drama grad. He's survived by his daughter, Renee.
Authorities continue investigating the circumstances of his death. As of now, no official cause of death has been announced.
Pastore became a television icon for his portrayal of Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in The Sopranos. Before and after that role, he appeared in numerous acclaimed films, including Goodfellas, Carlito's Way, and Gotti.
He was widely regarded by colleagues and fans as a warm, generous presence off-screen, and tributes from fellow actors and admirers have already begun pouring in.
If you're a fan of The Sopranos, it's another poignant loss for the cast, following the deaths of James Gandolfini, Tony Sirico, and Frank Vincent.
He had been busy acting in television series, touring fan events, and mentoring new talent. He stars as Donnie "Glasses" Sisto in season 3 of the mob drama series Gravesend, which premiered on Prime Video.
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Current Activities and Projects
- Television & Film: Appearing as Donnie Sisto in Gravesend Season 3, alongside other Sopranos alumni.
- Live Tours & Events: Touring with cast members Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa for the live show Conversations with the Sopranos, and attending fan meet-and-greets.
- Teaching & Theater: Mentoring aspiring performers and running an acting/theater initiative alongside Maureen Van Zandt
