Sopranos star Vincent Pastore, actor behind Big Pussy, dies aged 80
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Vincent Pastore, the actor known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in HBO's *The Sopranos*, has died at the age of 80, according to TMZ. He featured prominently in the show's first two seasons as a member of Tony Soprano's inner circle, and his character's storyline as an FBI informant, culminating in his killing by Tony, Silvio and Paulie in the season two finale, remains one of the series' most memorable moments.
Beyond *The Sopranos*, Pastore built a long career frequently playing mobster roles, with early appearances in *Goodfellas* and *Carlito's Way* before higher-profile parts in *The Jerky Boys: The Movie* and HBO's *Gotti*. His wider credits included films such as *Shark Tale*, *Mickey Blue Eyes* and *Witness to the Mob*, television roles on *Law & Order* and *General Hospital*, appearances on reality shows including *Dancing With the Stars* and *Shark Tank*, and hosting duties on SiriusXM's *The Wise Guy*. He is survived by his daughter, Renee.
- Vincent Pastore, "Big Pussy" from *The Sopranos*, has died aged 80
- His character's on-screen killing was a defining Sopranos moment
- Prolific mob-role actor with a wide film and TV career, survived by daughter Renee
More coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter — Vincent Pastore, the Mobster “Big Pussy” on ‘The Sopranos,’ Dies at 80
- Deadline — Vincent Pastore Dies: ‘The Sopranos’ Star Was 80
- Collider — 'The Sopranos' Fan-Favorite Dead at 80, Vincent Pastore Remembered
- Consequence — Vincent Pastore, Star of The Sopranos, Dead at 80
- Far Out — ‘The Sopranos’ actor Vincent Pastore dead at 80, police launch investigation
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Variety as “Vincent Pastore, Who Played ‘Big Pussy’ on ‘The Sopranos’, Dies at 80”.