“Sopranos” Actor Vincent Pastore Dies at 80
“Sopranos” Actor Vincent Pastore Dies at 80
Toria SheffieldSat, August 1, 2026 at 10:10 PM UTC
0
Vincent PastoreCredit: Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty -
Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in The Sopranos, has died at age 80, his representatives confirmed to PEOPLE
Pastore was found dead at his Bronx, N.Y., home by a neighbor
His longtime representatives remembered him as a kind, generous actor
ActorVincent Pastore, known for his role in The Sopranos, has died. He was 80.
Representatives for Pastore confirmed the news, which was first reported by Deadline, to PEOPLE.
Pastore was found dead in his Bronx, N.Y., home on Saturday, Aug. 1, by a neighbor who said he became concerned after not hearing from Pastore for several days, according to Deadline.
The circumstances surrounding the actor’s death are still under investigation, per the outlet.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) declined to comment when contacted by PEOPLE.
Pastore’s longtime manager, Robert Altman, confirmed to PEOPLE that the actor died “at home.”
Vincent Pastore in ‘The Sopranos’ on HBOCredit: HBO
“Vinny was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known,” Altman added in his statement to PEOPLE.
“He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph. He genuinely appreciated the people who supported him and always made them feel valued,” he continued.
— sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Advertisement
“He loved being an actor. He was passionate about his craft and was always encouraging, respectful, and generous with young actors, taking the time to offer guidance and support whenever he could,” Altman said, adding that his “deepest condolences” go out to Pastore’s loved ones and “the countless fans whose lives he touched.”
Bob McGowan, who also represented Pastore, called the news “heartbreaking” in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE.
Vincent Pastore in 2000Credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty
“He was one of the nicest guys,” he said.
“Very charitable, very friendly and he would help anybody,” McGowan continued, adding that Pastore was a veteran.
Pastore played Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, Tony Soprano’s best friend-turned-mob-informant, on the iconic HBO series The Sopranos.
He landed small roles in films including Goodfellas and Men of Respect in the early 1990s before taking on larger parts in movies like The Jerky Boys: The Movie in 1995 and the HBO film Gotti the following year.
He also amassed dozens of television credits, appearing in series including Law & Order,The Practice and Hawaii Five-0.
He is survived by his daughter Renee, according to TMZ.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
