Vincent Pastore, a veteran actor best known for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on the HBO series The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. A representative confirmed the news Saturday. Pastore, who specialized in playing mobsters and tough guys, was found in his home on New York's City Island after not being heard from for a few days.
His manager, Bob McGowan, learned of the death from fellow actor Vincent Curatola. McGowan described Pastore as a loyal client who frequently gave to charity and was the kind of person who would help anybody.
Pastore's acting career began in the 1980s and included roles in the 1990 films Goodfellas and Awakenings. He is most widely recognized for his performance as Big Pussy, a mobster's foot soldier and friend of Tony Soprano who becomes an FBI informant. He appeared in the celebrated series across all six seasons, which aired from 1999 to 2007.
Born in the Bronx and raised in suburban New Rochelle, New York, Pastore enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War and later attended Pace University. He is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.