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“The Sopranos” star, Vincent Pastore, died at the age of 80.
The actor’s manager, Robert Attermann, confirmed his death to Fox News Digital, saying, “Vinny passed away either yesterday or today at home in The Bronx.”
“I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before ‘The Sopranos’ made him a household name,” Attermann said. “To the world, he will always be remembered as the unforgettable ‘Big Pussy,’ but to those of us who knew him, he was so much more.”
Pastore was known for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on the hit HBO Max show, and played a major role as a member of Tony Sopranos clique, before betraying him.
“The Sopranos” star, Vinny Pastore, died at the age of 80.(Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive
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In addition to his role on “The Sopranos,” Pastore also appeared in “Goodfellas,” “A Bronx Tale,” “Carlito’s Way,” “Gotti,” “”Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn,” “Mickey Blue Eyes” and others.
He also appeared in a number of television projects, including “Blue Bloods,” “Law & Order,” “General Hospital,” “Bull,” “Pair of Kings,” “Hawaii Five-0” and most recently lent his voice on an episode of “Yellowjackets.”
“He loved being an actor,” Attermann said. “He was passionate about his craft and was always encouraging, respectful, and generous with young actors, taking the time to offer guidance and support whenever he could.”
Pastore also competed on a number of reality competition shows, including “Dancing with the Stars,” “Celebrity Fit Club” and “Celebrity Apprentice.”
Pastore rose to fame as a key character in “The Sopranos.”
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Attermann referred to Pastore as “one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known,” adding, “He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph.”
“He genuinely appreciated the people who supported him and always made them feel valued,” he said. “For me, losing Vinny is deeply personal. Over more than three decades, I had the honor of watching not only his remarkable career but also the incredible person he was. I will miss his friendship, his loyalty, his humor, and his generosity.”
He continued: “My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless fans whose lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his memorable performances. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. May his memory be a blessing.”
Pastore’s former co-stars, including Kathrine Narducci and Lorraine Bracco took to Instagram to share their own tributes to the fallen star.
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Pastore is survived by his daughter Renee.(Cindy Ord/
Bracco reposted a photo of the actor on her Instagram story, writing, “Such a funny & charming man…just a beautiful soul. Absolutely heartbreaking.”
Narducci shared a photo of the two of them on her feed, captioning the post, “This one is crushing , With the most heavy heavy heart I lost my Dearest Big brother friend Vincent Pastore . 35 years of friendship . This is a tremendous loss.”
Micheal Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti on the hit drama series, also paid tribute to the actor, sharing a photo of the two of them on the red carpet, in which Pastore has his arm around him.
“Our beloved friend and collaborator VINCENT PASTORE has passed away,” he wrote in the caption. “This is a hard one for us, it seems like I’ve known Vinny forever. We did lots of work together and traveled all over 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.
Imperioli paid tribute to Pastore on Instagram.(KMazur/WireImage)
Joe Pantoliano shared a few photos of the two of them together on Instagram as well, writing, “God bless him. He made it to 80.”
“Vin and I were never actually on set together, but through our Sopranos family I got to know him over the years.” he wrote. “I always liked him. He had this incredible appetite for the business and he never lost that spark. That always made me smile. My heart goes out to his family, his friends and everyone who loved him. Rest easy, Vin. ❤️”
Pastore is survived by his daughter Renee.
