Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for playing Salvatore Bonpensiero in The Sopranos, has died aged 80.
The veteran character actor was found at his home on City Island in the Bronx, New York, by a neighbour on Saturday, August 1, according to reports.
Vincent had reportedly not been seen or heard from for three days before he was discovered. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated and a cause of death has not yet been announced.
Longtime manager, Bob McGowan, remembered Vincent as a talented performer whose generosity and warmth extended far beyond the screen.
“Vinnie was a great guy, he would help anyone and was very charitable,” Bob said in a statement published by Deadline.
He grew up in New Rochelle, New York, served in the US Navy and attended Pace University before entering the entertainment industry. He spent several years working in the nightclub business and did not begin pursuing acting professionally until later in life. Vincent appeared in movies including Goodfellas, Awakenings, Carlito’s Way and the HBO television film Gotti.
© WireImageHis career changed in 1999 when he was cast as Salvatore Bonpensiero in David Chase’s acclaimed HBO drama The Sopranos.
Known to his fellow mobsters as “Big Pussy”, Salvatore was one of Tony Soprano’s oldest and most trusted friends. However, it was eventually revealed that he had secretly become an informant for the FBI.
The betrayal led to one of the show’s most memorable episodes, with Tony and his associates killing Salvatore during the season two finale.
© Getty ImagesAlthough Vincent’s regular run ended after the second season, he returned for guest appearances during later seasons as his character’s death continued to haunt Tony. He remained closely associated with The Sopranos throughout his life and his performance made him a firm fan favourite.
He continued acting steadily after leaving the series, appearing in films including Mickey Blue Eyes, Riding in Cars with Boys, Shark Tale, Revolver and Spinning Gold.
© WireImageHe also appeared on reality shows including The Celebrity Apprentice and Celebrity Fit Club, and hosted The Wiseguy Show on SiriusXM.
Vincent is survived by his daughter, Renee.
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