Actor Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in HBO's The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. His former co-stars from the acclaimed mob drama, including Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Michael Imperioli, Lorraine Bracco, Joe Pantoliano and Steven Van Zandt, have shared warm tributes recalling his kindness and camaraderie both on and off screen.

Pastore's body was discovered on Saturday at his Bronx residence by a neighbour, after his manager had reportedly not heard from him for three days; his driver had last spoken with him by phone on Friday night. A cause of death has not yet been determined. Pastore appeared in The Sopranos throughout much of its six-season run from 1999 to 2007, with tributes describing him as a "kind-hearted brother" and a "funny and charming man" who was deeply loved by his co-stars.