Vincent Pastore: The Sopranos, Goodfellas and Carlito’s Way star dies aged 80

Actor Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in HBO’s The Sopranos, has died aged 80.

The veteran actor was found dead at his Bronx home on Friday after a neighbour became concerned when he had not been heard from for three days.

The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.

Born in the Bronx in 1946, Pastore served in the Vietnam War before earning a drama degree from Pace University. While working as a limousine driver, he caught the attention of actors Matt and Kevin Dillon, with Kevin helping him land his first acting roles.

After small parts in mob classics including Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, Pastore’s career took off with roles in The Jerky Boys: The Movie and HBO’s Gotti.

His breakthrough came in 1999 when he was cast as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in The Sopranos. As Tony Soprano’s longtime friend and mob enforcer who secretly became an FBI informant, his character’s death became one of the critically acclaimed series’ most unforgettable moments.

Pastore went on to appear in dozens of films, including Mickey Blue Eyes, Shark Tale and Guy Ritchie’s Revolver, while also making regular television appearances in Law & Order, Hawaii Five-0, Yellowjackets and Gravesend.

Away from scripted television, he became a familiar face on reality shows including Celebrity Apprentice, Dancing With the Stars, Celebrity Family Feud, Celebrity Fit Club and Shark Tank. He also hosted The Wiseguy Show on SiriusXM.

“Vinnie was a great guy, he would help anyone and was very charitable,” Pastore’s longtime manager Bob McGowan said.

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee.