A familiar face from one of television’s most unforgettable crime dramas is gone.
Vincent Pastore, the veteran actor who became a household name as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80.
Pastore was found dead Saturday, Aug. 1, at his Bronx home, according to reports. His death is believed to have been from natural causes and is not being investigated by the medical examiner.
For millions of The Sopranos fans, Pastore wasn’t simply another actor from the legendary series. As Big Pussy, he was Tony Soprano’s longtime friend, confidant and mob enforcer — a character whose tragic betrayal and eventual murder became one of the show’s most unforgettable moments.
And now, fans are saying goodbye to the man behind the character.
Pastore had celebrated his 80th birthday just weeks before his death. On July 14, he marked the milestone with his close friend Stephen Villano, who described the actor’s death as completely unexpected.
“This is totally shocking,” Villano told The Post Saturday. “He was totally healthy. He was fine. He just went for his yearly physical.”
Villano said he and Pastore had last spoken on Thursday and revealed that the actor had been living alone in his Bronx home.
“He was an amazing individual and he loved his craft,” he added. “His craft was Broadway, movies, television.”
Behind the tough-guy roles
Pastore also had plenty planned for the months ahead, including new television projects, premieres and performances with his rock group, the Gangster Squad, where he sang and played tambourine.
But beyond the tough-guy roles that made him famous, friends remembered Pastore as a deeply generous and caring man.
“He was a good man … The man was generous, he was kind, he was caring.
“He cared about his neighbors, he cared about charities, he cared about fundraisers,” Villano said. “He supported St. Jude’s [Children’s Research Hospital] and he supported the NYPD.”
The friendship between Villano and Pastore stretched back roughly three decades, beginning when Villano worked as the actor’s driver.
“I did everything with Vinny,” Villano shared. “I drove him to places. I took him to his doctor appointment; I sat with him on shows. I traveled with him.”
Pastore’s longtime manager, Robert Attermann, also remembered him with heartbreaking words.
“Vinny was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known,” the statement read. “He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph.”
And his Sopranos family quickly began mourning the loss.
Edie Falco, who played Carmela Soprano, told Page Six: “It’s an awful loss. So unexpected. Vinnie was always so full of life.”
Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing: “This is a hard one for us,” and referring to Pastore as “a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends.”
Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, also remembered her former co-star as “a wonderful actor, a kind and loving man.”
A Vietnam War veteran
Born in the Bronx on July 14, 1946, Pastore was a Vietnam War veteran who later graduated from Pace University with a degree in drama. Before Hollywood, he worked as a limousine driver — a job that unexpectedly helped launch his acting career.
While performing in a community theater production, Pastore met Matt and Kevin Dillon, and Kevin Dillon helped him land his first opportunities in the entertainment business.
He went on to appear in films including Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way, Men of Respect, Mickey Blue Eyes, Money Train, Shark Tale, Serving Sara, Riding in Cars with Boys, Spinning Gold and Guy Ritchie’s Revolver.
But it was The Sopranos, which premiered in 1999, that forever cemented his place in television history.
As Big Pussy, Pastore brought humor, toughness and vulnerability to a character caught between loyalty to his closest friends and pressure from the FBI. His fate became one of the series’ most devastating turning points.
Pastore remained active long after The Sopranos ended, appearing in television shows including Law & Order, The Practice, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Yellowjackets and Gravesend. He also became a familiar face on reality television, appearing on Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Family Feud, Dancing With the Stars, Shark Tank and Celebrity Fit Club.
He is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
For fans who spent years watching Tony, Paulie, Silvio, Christopher and Big Pussy navigate the dangerous world of New Jersey organized crime, Vincent Pastore will always be part of that family.
The character may have been Big Pussy.
But to the people who knew him, Vinny was so much more.
Rest in peace, Vincent Pastore. Thank you for the memories. You will never be forgotten.
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