Sopranos star Vincent Pastore, actor behind Big Pussy, dies aged 80
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Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in HBO's *The Sopranos*, has died at the age of 80, according to TMZ. He was a central figure in the show's first two seasons as a trusted member of Tony Soprano's inner circle, and his character's arc as an FBI informant, which ended with 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, starting with small parts in early 1990s crime films such as *Goodfellas* and *Carlito's Way* before higher-profile appearances in *The Jerky Boys: The Movie* and HBO's *Gotti*. His credits also spanned films including *Shark Tale* and *Mickey Blue Eyes*, television roles on *Law & Order* and *General Hospital*, and reality show appearances on *Dancing with the Stars*, *Shark Tank* and *Celebrity Family Feud*. He also hosted a weekly SiriusXM show, *The Wise Guy*, interviewing figures from the Italian-American community, and is survived by his daughter, Renee.
- Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore, who played "Big Pussy", has died at 80
- Character's killing in season two finale was an iconic series moment
- Also known for mob roles in Goodfellas, Gotti and reality TV appearances
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Vincent Pastore was an American character actor whose career was closely associated with crime films and television. He often played tough, working-class Italian-American figures, appearing in productions including Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Gotti.
He became widely known through The Sopranos, HBO’s drama about a New Jersey crime boss, Tony Soprano, trying to balance family life with leading a criminal organisation. Pastore played Salvatore Bonpensiero, known as “Big Pussy”, one of Tony’s longtime friends and associates.
The Sopranos ran from 1999 to 2007 and is regarded as an influential television drama for its long-form storytelling and complex characters. Pastore’s role made him a familiar face to viewers, and he later worked across film, television, radio and reality programmes.
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
- Fox News — 'The Sopranos' actor Vincent Pastore dead at 80
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Originally published by Variety as “Vincent Pastore, Who Played ‘Big Pussy’ on ‘The Sopranos’, Dies at 80”.