The Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore dies aged 80, according to reports
American actor Vincent Pastore, who starred in mob drama The Sopranos and whose character betrayed Tony Soprano, has died at the age of 80, according to reports.
Pastore starred as Salvatore ‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero, a close friend of Tony's, played by the late James Gandolfini, and who also became an FBI informant in David Chase’s popular drama.
Deadline reports the actor was found dead in his Bronx apartment in New York on August 1, with their report saying the circumstances around his death are being investigated.
A statement from his longtime manager Bob McGowan to Deadline said: "Vinnie was a great guy, he would help anyone and was very charitable."
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He is reported to have enlisted as a sailor during the Vietnam War, later going on to study drama, eventually landing roles in the film Gotti, Shark Tale and 2005’s Revolver.
Paying tribute to him, manager Robert Attermann told USA Today: "Vinny was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. 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."
His statement to the American outlet went on to say that the actor "leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his memorable performances. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. May his memory be a blessing."
Pastore landed his first big role in his early forties, in the 1988 film Black Roses, and then went on to become a fixture in mob roles, including starring in Goodfellas, Carlito's Way and Witness to the Mob.
On TV, he was a contestant on Dancing With The Stars in 2007, but ended up pulling out after a week of training.
He also famously appeared on The Celebrity Apprentice when the now American President Donald Trump was still hosting it. It was won that year by UK TV presenter Piers Morgan, who he faked an argument with on screen.
Speaking in 2000 to Howard Stern about his character leaving The Sopranos he said 'it was tough'. He said he knew as they started filming the second season 'where it was going to go', but said he didn't know 'when and how' they would kill the character off.
The Sopranos followed a New Jersey mob boss who goes to counselling as he continues to deal with his family and his life as a gangster, and the role won its lead star, James Gandolfini, three Emmy awards.
Gandolfini died of a heart attack on holiday in Rome in 2013 aged 51.
Speaking in February this year, Steve Schirripa, who played mobster Bobby Bacala, said of the show's enduring popularity: “It wasn’t one thing, you know, it wasn’t just a mob show. It went deep. It’s about capitalism. It’s about family. It’s about a lot of things.
“It’s not just about mob guys hanging out in the strip club, killing people. It’s much deeper and much more complicated. It’s a very smart show.”
Topics: TV
Kerri-Ann Roper