Vincent Pastore, an actor best known for his role as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the HBO series "The Sopranos," died at the age of 80. His death was confirmed on Saturday. A neighbor discovered his body at his home in the Bronx after Pastore had not been heard from for three days. Sources later indicated to TMZ that his death was due to natural causes.
Pastore's last public appearance was supporting his "Sopranos" co-star Stevie Van Zandt at the premiere of his documentary, "Steve Van Zandt: Disciple," during the 2024 Tribeca Festival in New York City. The two actors posed for photos on the red carpet, with Van Zandt portraying Silvio Dante on "The Sopranos."
Born in the Bronx in 1946, Pastore was often cast in mafia roles. He had a small part in "Goodfellas" and a more significant role in the 1996 HBO film "Gotti," where he played Angelo "Quack Quack" Ruggiero. His "Sopranos" role, which began in 1999, became his most recognizable. He portrayed Bonpensiero, a mobster who is eventually exposed as an FBI informant and killed by his associates.
Pastore's performance as Bonpensiero earned critical praise for its nuanced portrayal of a character grappling with guilt. One memorable scene, where Tony Soprano frantically searches Bonpensiero for a wire, was an improvisation by James Gandolfini, according to Pastore.
After "The Sopranos," Pastore appeared on several reality television shows, including "Dancing with the Stars" and "Celebrity Apprentice." He also had guest roles on scripted series such as "Law & Order," "Blue Bloods," and "Yellowjackets." His other film credits include "The Jerky Boys: The Movie" and "Mickey Blue Eyes."
Pastore also had a notable stage career. He was part of the original Broadway cast of the musical adaptation of Woody Allen's "Bullets Over Broadway" in 2014. During that period, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer but continued to perform, earning acclaim for his dedication.
He later ran his own theater company, staging multiple plays annually and often collaborating with fellow "Sopranos" alumni. Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee.
Former castmates mourned his loss. Edie Falco, who played Carmela Soprano, described his death as an "awful loss" and "unexpected," adding that he was "always so full of life." Michael Imperioli, who portrayed Christopher Moltisanti, shared a tribute on Instagram, calling Pastore a "kind hearted brother" and stating, "I will miss him always."
Lorraine Bracco, who played Jennifer Melfi, called Pastore a "funny & charming man" with a "beautiful soul." Dominic Chianese, who played Corrado "Junior" Soprano, paid tribute on Instagram, writing, "We lost a friend today. Paying respect and sending Love in tribute. You were a gem Vinnie."
Pastore's manager of over 30 years, Robert Attermann, remembered him as "one of the kindest, most generous people" he had ever known, who treated everyone with warmth and respect and always made time for fans.