Actor Vincent Pastore Dies at 80 in Bronx

Vincent Pastore, the veteran character actor best known for his role as Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero on HBO's The Sopranos, was found dead at his City Island residence in the Bronx on Saturday, August 1. He was 80 years old.

A neighbor discovered Pastore's body at the City Island home, according to reports. Police suspect the actor died from natural causes.

Robert Attermann, who managed Pastore for more than three decades, confirmed the death. "I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before The Sopranos made him a household name," Attermann told Celebrity News: Latest Celeb News & Pictures - Us Weekly on Saturday. "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."

Attermann added that Pastore "was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph."

Pastore gained widespread recognition portraying Tony Soprano's mafioso henchman-turned-informant during the first two seasons of The Sopranos. Following his character's dramatic exit from the series, he returned multiple times for guest appearances on the acclaimed HBO drama.

The Bronx native served in the United States military during the Vietnam War before pursuing his passion for performance. He earned a drama degree from Pace University in New York and built a career specializing in mob-related roles. His filmography includes supporting parts in Goodfellas, Carlito's Way, Witness to the Mob and Mafia!.

Beyond gangster films, Pastore demonstrated his versatility through voice acting work. He voiced the octopus character Luca in the 2004 animated film Shark Tale and provided the voice for Terry on Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

Michael Imperioli, who portrayed Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos, paid tribute to his former colleague on Saturday. "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," Imperioli, 60, wrote via Instagram. "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."

Edie Falco, who played Carmella Soprano on the series, described Pastore's death as "an awful loss" and "so unexpected," telling Celebrity News: Latest Celeb News & Pictures - Us Weekly on Saturday that the actor "was always so full of life." Falco is 63 years old.

Lorraine Bracco, who worked alongside Pastore on both The Sopranos and Goodfellas, remembered him as "such a charming and funny man" via her Instagram Story. Bracco, 71, portrayed Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Tony Soprano's psychiatrist, on the HBO series. She added that Pastore was "just a beautiful soul. Absolutely heartbreaking."

Dominic Chianese, who played Junior Soprano, shared via his Instagram Story that he had "lost a friend" on Saturday. "Paying respect and sending Love in tribute," Chianese, 75, continued. "You were a gem Vinnie."

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore, from his marriage to ex-wife Nancy Berke.

His final screen performance will appear in the upcoming 1950s coming-of-age drama Bad News on the Doorstep, in which he costarred with Mischa Barton, Rob Gronkowski and Chazz Palminteri.