Actor Vincent Pastore, who played mobster in The Sopranos, dies aged 80

Vincent Pastore, who played Tony Soprano's best friend turned FBI informant on HBO's prestige drama The Sopranos, has died aged 80.

Pastore, who was best known for his portrayal of Salvatore Bonpensiero in the acclaimed mob drama, died at his home in New York, his manager said.

The veteran actor had appeared in films since the 1980s, including roles in Goodfellas and Awakenings, and made a name for himself portraying gangsters and tough guys.

But it was his 30-episode stint in The Sopranos as a cigar-smoking mob enforcer turned conflicted informant that brought him fame.

A cause of death has not been disclosed.

Pastore's Sopranos co-stars paid tribute, with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, writing: "A wonderful actor, a kind and loving man. It was an honor to know you and work with you."

Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, wrote on Instagram: "This is a hard one for us, it seems like I've known Vinny forever.

"We did lots of work together and travelled all over the USA as well as Italy and Australia. Lots of good times. Lots of laughs. Vinny was a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always."

Lorraine Bracco, who played Dr Jennifer Melfi, said: "Such a funny & charming man… just a beautiful soul. Absolutely heartbreaking."

Joe Pantoliano, who played Ralph Cifaretto, explained that while he was never on set with Pastore, "through our Sopranos family I got to know him over the years".

"I always liked him," he wrote. "He had this incredible appetite for the business, and he never lost that spark."

Stevie Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante, said on X: "Another irreplaceable brother gone. It never gets any easier. Travel well Vincenzo."

Pastore's manager Robert Attermann told Sky's US broadcasting partner NBC News that the actor will always be remembered as his "unforgettable" character in The Sopranos.

"To the world, he will always be remembered as the unforgettable 'Big Pussy'," he said, using the nickname of Pastore's character in the show.

"But to those of us who knew him, he was so much more."

Mr Attermann added: "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."

Another of Pastore's managers, Bob McGowan, said he had learned of the star's death on Saturday from another client and actor, Vincent Curatola, who portrayed mafioso Johnny Sack on The Sopranos.

He said that Pastore had been found in his home on New York's City Island in the Bronx after not being heard from for several days.

Mr McGowan said he'd been trying to reach Pastore about a possible job.

"He was the most loyal client and he always gave to charity," he said.

"And he was the kind of guy who would help anybody, which is rare in my business."

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The actor also appeared in TV drama Law & Order, 2013 film Once Upon A Time In Brooklyn and theatre productions. He also played in a band called Gangster Squad.

Pastore, who was born in the Bronx and grew up in suburban New Rochelle, New York, has been inducted on the Bronx Wall of Fame.

"His portrayal of the complex and lovable mobster earned him widespread recognition and praise," the Walk of Fame said.

"Pastore's ability to bring depth and authenticity to his character contributed to the show's success and solidified his place in television history."

He enlisted in the navy during the Vietnam War and later attended Pace University, according to his biography on IMDb.

He is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.

(c) Sky News 2026: Actor Vincent Pastore, who played mobster in The Sopranos, dies aged 80