Sopranos Star Vincent Pastore, 'Big Pussy' to Fans, Remembered After Passing at 80
Veteran actor Vincent Pastore, renowned for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in "The Sopranos," has died at 80. His extensive career included acclaimed films, television shows, and a memorable, iconic character arc in the legendary HBO series.
Veteran character actor Vincent Pastore, widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in HBO’s megahit series “The Sopranos,” has sadly passed away at the age of 80. Pastore was found dead peacefully in his Bronx home on Saturday by his longtime friend and assistant Steve Villano, as confirmed by TMZ. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary screen career that spanned almost 200 film and television credits.
Pastore's most celebrated role was undeniably that of Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, one of Tony Soprano’s oldest friends and most trusted capos in “The Sopranos.” He joined the show in 1999 and was a key player in the first two seasons, appearing in 21 of the show’s first 26 episodes. His character’s arc became one of television’s most unforgettable, culminating in a dramatic and iconic end in the Season 2 finale, “Funhouse.” After secretly informing the FBI, Big Pussy was brutally executed by Tony, Silvio (Steven Van Zandt), and Paulie (Tony Sirico) aboard a fishing boat before his body was dumped into the ocean. Despite his character's death, Pastore’s powerful presence led to his return several times throughout the series in dreams and flashbacks.
Although Pastore didn't embark on his acting career until his early 40s, having spent two decades running bars and nightclubs around New York, his hard work ethic quickly shone through in the authenticity of his performances. Prior to his breakthrough role in “The Sopranos,” Pastore had already appeared in acclaimed films such as “GoodFellas,” “Carlito’s Way,” and “The Jerky Boys,” as well as HBO’s “Gotti,” where he played Angelo Ruggiero opposite Armand Assante. His stock in Hollywood rose significantly with his roles in “The Jerky Boys: The Movie” in 1995 and “Gotti” in 1996.
Throughout his extensive career, Pastore was often cast as a mobster, but his versatility allowed him to work with an impressive roster of directors including Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palma, Woody Allen, Sidney Lumet, Norman Jewison, Guy Ritchie, and Jon Favreau. His film credits further include “The Basketball Diaries,” “The Hurricane,” “Made,” “Revolver,” “The Family,” “Shark Tale,” “Mickey Blue Eyes,” “Witness to the Mob,” “The Deli,” “Spinning Gold,” “Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn,” “This Thing of Ours,” “Bachelor Party Vegas,” and “A Brooklyn State of Mind.” On television, he made appearances in “Law & Order,” “The Practice,” “Blue Bloods,” “General Hospital,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “New York Undercover,” “Bull,” “Son of the Beach,” “Queens Supreme,” and “Pair of Kings.”
Beyond his acting, Pastore also ventured into reality television, competing on shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Shark Tank,” and “Celebrity Family Feud.” He launched his own tomato sauce brand, toured with fellow “Sopranos” stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa on “Talking Sopranos,” and graced Broadway stages twice in “Chicago” and “Bullets Over Broadway.” He also hosted “The Wise Guy” show on SiriusXM, a weekly three-hour broadcast featuring interviews with celebrities and prominent figures from the Italian-American community.
Vincent Pastore is survived by his daughter Renee, his sister Sally, and his brother Johnny. His legacy as a memorable character actor and television icon will be cherished by fans and colleagues alike.