'The Sopranos' star Vincent Pastore has died aged 80
Actor Vincent Pastore, best known for his role as Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero in 'The Sopranos,' has died at the age of 80. He was a veteran character actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows.
Why it matters
Pastore was a recognizable figure in pop culture, and his passing marks the loss of a key cast member from one of the most influential television series in history.
Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for mob enforcer-turned-informant Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the hit series "The Sopranos," has died at the age of 80, his manager told journalists.
Hollywood news outlet Deadline reported that the veteran actor, a native New Yorker, was found dead yesterday in his home in The Bronx.
The manager, Robert Attermann, confirmed his death to AFP, but did not offer details about the circumstances.
Born on 14 July 1946, Mr Pastore served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War before earning a university degree in drama.
He was often cast as a quintessential New York gangster, with film roles in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" (1990) and Brian de Palma's "Carlito's Way" (1993).
However, his signature role was "Big Pussy," a right-hand man to Tony Soprano (the late James Gandolfini) who later became an FBI informant.
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