Vincent Pastore Dies at 80

Vincent Pastore, known for his roles as a mobster and especially for his portrayal of Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos,” has passed away at the age of 80. Pastore arrived at prominence with his acting, often depicting tough characters. He was found at his home on New York’s City Island after not being heard from for several days.

Bob McGowan, Pastore’s manager since his “The Sopranos” days, shared the news of his death. The information was conveyed by another actor from the show, Vincent Curatola. McGowan noted Pastore’s loyalty and generosity, mentioning his charitable nature and willingness to assist others, which he found unique in the industry.

Pastore’s acting career included roles in significant films starting in the 1980s. Notably, he appeared in “Goodfellas” and “Awakenings” in 1990. Despite many roles, it was his 30-episode portrayal in “The Sopranos” that stood out. His character, a close friend of Tony Soprano, turns into an FBI informant, adding a key storyline to the series.

Born in the Bronx and raised in New Rochelle, New York, Pastore served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He later attended Pace University. According to IMDb, he is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.