Vincent Pastore, the American actor who gained widespread recognition playing FBI informant Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero in the acclaimed television series The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 80.
Pastore was discovered at his residence in the Bronx, New York, with no signs of foul play reported, according to CBS News. The actor's death marks the end of a career spanning multiple decades in film and television.
Born in the Bronx in 1946, Pastore served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War before transitioning to acting. His early film roles included appearances in Goodfellas and Carlito's Way, followed by television guest spots on shows such as Law & Order, General Hospital, and Hawaii Five-O. However, his portrayal of Tony Soprano's closest associate in The Sopranos became his defining role, despite his character being killed off during the show's second season—a storyline that remains among the series' most significant moments.
Pastore's involvement with The Sopranos extended across all six seasons of the HBO drama, and in 2000, he joined his fellow cast members in winning a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. His manager, Robert Attermann, reflected on Pastore's professional legacy and personal character, noting his dedication to his craft and willingness to mentor younger performers throughout his career.
