‘Another irreplaceable brother gone’: ‘The Sopranos’ stars mourn Vincent Pastore after his death at 80

Vincent Pastore, the Hollywood actor best known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in the acclaimed HBO crime drama The Sopranos has died at the age of 80. Pastore’s death was confirmed by the actor’s friend Steve Villano, who told the Hollywood Reporter that Pastore died in his sleep at his Bronx, New York, home on Saturday, August 1.

Pastore's manager had not heard from him for three days, according to a family friend, and the actor's driver had last spoken to him on the phone Friday night. As per multiple media outlets, the cause of death is being determined.

Pastore became a household name through his portrayal of Tony Soprano's close friend, Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, in The Sopranos. His character, who ultimately became an informant for the FBI before being killed in one of the series' most memorable storylines during season two, remains one of the show's defining figures.


Tributes poured in from Pastore's former castmates following news of his death. Robert Attermann, Pastore's manager, told CBS News: "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."

Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, wrote on Instagram, "Our beloved friend and collaborator VINCENT PASTORE has passed away. 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."

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Joe Pantoliano, who played Ralph Cifaretto, wrote, "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. 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."

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Stevie Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante, wrote on X, "Another irreplaceable brother gone. It never gets any easier. Travel well Vincenzo."