'The Sopranos' star Vincent Pastore dies aged 80

Pastore was found dead at his home in the Bronx, after friends were unable to reach him for several days

Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in HBO's acclaimed crime drama The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. He was found dead at his home in the Bronx, New York, after friends were unable to reach him for several days. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Pastore's manager, Robert Attermann, confirmed the actor's death, describing him as a kind, generous man who loved performing and deeply appreciated his fans. "He never forgot where he came from," Attermann said, adding that Pastore always made time for aspiring actors and those who admired his work.

Although he had already built a career playing mobsters in films including Goodfellas, Carlito's Way and New Jack City, Pastore achieved international fame in 1999 when he was cast as Tony Soprano's close friend and FBI informant Big Pussy. His performance became one of the defining roles of The Sopranos and helped establish the series as one of television's greatest dramas.

Born in the Bronx, Pastore served in the US Navy before earning a drama degree from Pace University. He did not begin acting professionally until his early 40s after encouragement from actor Kevin Dillon, eventually amassing nearly 200 screen credits across film and television. Away from acting, he appeared on Dancing With the Stars and Celebrity Apprentice, hosted a SiriusXM radio show and later launched the podcast Fuhgeddaboudit.

Following news of his death, tributes poured in from former co-stars and fans, who remembered Pastore for his warmth, humour and unforgettable portrayal of Big Pussy. His legacy endures as one of the standout performers from The Sopranos, a series that transformed television storytelling and remains influential more than two decades after its debut.