What happened to Vincent Pastore?

Vincent Pastore, the actor known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on The Sopranos, was found dead at his home on City Island in the Bronx on Saturday, Aug. 1, at age 80.

TL;DR

• Pastore, 80, played mob enforcer-turned-FBI informant Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero across all six seasons of The Sopranos.
• He was found dead at his Bronx home on Saturday, Aug. 1; a cause of death has not been made public.
• The New York Police Department is investigating the circumstances, according to TMZ.
• Sopranos co-stars including Michael Imperioli and Jamie-Lynn Sigler shared emotional tributes on social media within hours.

What we know about Vincent Pastore’s death

Pastore was found by Stephen Villano, a neighbor and friend, after Villano had not heard from him for several days, according to Deadline. Villano went to check on him and made the discovery at his home.

The New York Fire Department received a call about an unresponsive man at roughly 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, and police then opened an investigation, according to TMZ. Pastore’s cause of death has not been confirmed.

Robert Attermann, Pastore’s manager, confirmed the actor died at his Bronx home, according to Fox News. Pastore is survived by a daughter, according to Forbes.

The loss adds to a string of sudden entertainment-industry deaths this year, including Godzilla vs. Kong actress Kaylee Hottle and voice actor Tom Kane.

Sopranos cast pays tribute to a “kind-hearted” co-star

Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti on the series, wrote on Instagram that Pastore was “a kind-hearted brother,” according to AOL. He added that the pair had traveled together across the United States, Italy and Australia over the years.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, called Pastore “a kind and loving man” in an Instagram Stories post, according to Yahoo.

Edie Falco, who played Carmela Soprano, said the news felt like “an awful loss” and came as a shock, according to Parade. Joe Pantoliano, who played Ralph Cifaretto, said the two never shared a scene but had gotten to know each other through the show’s extended cast over the years, per the same report.

Vincent Pastore’s five-decade Hollywood career

Born July 14, 1946, in the Bronx, Pastore made his screen debut in the 1988 horror film Black Roses before landing supporting roles in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas and Awakenings, both released in 1990, according to Forbes.

He was cast as Big Pussy in 1999 and appeared in 30 episodes across the show’s six-season run, even after his character was killed off in the Season 2 finale for turning FBI informant. The role led to further parts in Corky Romano, Shark Tale and The Family, and later guest turns in Showtime’s The Curse and Paramount+’s Yellowjackets, his final screen credit.

80 Pastore’s age at death, capping a career of more than 180 screen and voice credits. Source: Forbes

David Chase created The Sopranos in 1999, and Pastore’s performance helped anchor a morally complex mob drama that shaped a generation of prestige television, from crime sagas to newer entries like Mobland.

How to watch The Sopranos in the UK

UK viewers can stream all six seasons of The Sopranos through NOW’s Entertainment Membership, priced at £7.99 a month, or the Entertainment & HBO Max Membership at £9.99 a month.

The series carries an 18 certificate in the UK, reflecting its violence and strong language, according to Sky.