Veteran actor Vincent Pastore, best known for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos, is now dedicating his time to teaching and mentoring the next generation of performers.
Pastore, 78, recently launched a theater group in collaboration with Maureen Van Zandt—wife of Sopranos co-star Steven Van Zandt—producing both classic and contemporary plays while also offering acting classes to aspiring actors.
Despite his celebrated career, Pastore revealed he never intended to become an actor. “My dream was to be a nightclub owner. I love putting shows together,” he shared. His journey into acting began unexpectedly while running a travel agency in the 1970s, where a chance encounter with Alan Arkin’s son led to his first acting role in The Jerky Boys. That role opened doors to films like Gotti, and eventually to his iconic part on The Sopranos.
Though many students enroll in his classes to meet a Sopranos legend, Pastore reminds them, “I’m Vinny. I’m a teacher. I’m not that guy on television.”
He’s also preparing to pass the torch to his 13-year-old granddaughter Maya, who was recently inspired after watching him on stage. “Let me know when you want to be an actor and I’ll teach you,” he told her.
With heartfelt memories of co-star James Gandolfini and a passion for performance, Pastore is finding new purpose in guiding others toward their acting dreams.
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