Vincent Pastore, the actor widely recognized for his role as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in the HBO crime drama "The Sopranos," has died at the age of 80. His family will hold funeral services in New Rochelle, New York, later this week.
Pastore's body was discovered on Saturday in his Bronx apartment after a neighbor had not heard from him for three days. The actor's longtime friend, Stephen Villano, shared details of his passing with TMZ.
Villano noted that after his stint on "The Sopranos," Pastore developed a passion for teaching and mentoring young actors. "He used to tell them, 'It's a one-in-a-million chance of making it, but look at me. It's part luck, who you are, how you train and hard work... but you can do it just as I did,'" Villano recalled.
Despite his success, Pastore remained grounded and reportedly enjoyed living a modest life in his hometown. "He was a simple guy. He never let fame go to his head," Villano said, adding that the actor drove a Buick.
Born in 1946 to an Italian family, Pastore was frequently cast in mafia-related roles. His filmography includes a small part in "Goodfellas" and a more prominent role in the 1996 HBO film "Gotti."
His television career featured guest appearances on "Law & Order" and participation in reality shows such as "Celebrity Apprentice" and "Dancing with the Stars."
In his later years, Pastore led a theater company that produced several plays annually. This venture allowed him to reunite with former "Sopranos" cast members, including Anthony Ribustello.
Pastore was born in the Bronx but spent his formative years in New Rochelle. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before entering the nightlife industry, opening bars and clubs, including the "Crazy Horse" nightclub in New Rochelle in the 1980s.
He pursued an acting career in the late 1980s after earning a drama degree from Pace University. His early connections in the industry included meeting actors Kevin and Matt Dillon while working as a limousine driver in New York City. Kevin Dillon reportedly provided guidance that helped Pastore begin his acting journey.
Pastore's first significant supporting role was in the 1995 crime comedy "The Jerky Boys: The Movie." The following year, he portrayed Angelo "Quack Quack" Ruggiero, a real-life Gambino family capo, in "Gotti," a role he described as a career turning point that led to increased public recognition and his casting on "The Sopranos."
Following Pastore's death, "Sopranos" co-star Michael Imperioli shared a tribute on Instagram. "Our beloved friend and collaborator VINCENT PASTORE has passed away," Imperioli wrote. "This is a hard one for us, it seems like I've known Vinny forever. We did lots of work together and traveled all of the USA as well as Italy and Australia. Lots of good times. Lots of laughs. Vinny was a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always."
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, who is 55 years old. He had her with his ex-wife, Nancy Berke.