Vincent Pastore, known as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos, has passed away at 80. According to TMZ, he died from natural causes.
Pastore served in the Navy during the Vietnam War before going to Pace University for an acting degree. He landed his first role in the film Black Roses in his early 40s.
Pastore played a major role in the early seasons of The Sopranos, giving a great performance and delivering one of the most iconic scenes in the show. In the show, Bonpensiero was a part of Tony Soprano’s inner circle, with Soprano being played by James Galdofini (Enough Said, The Drop). During the season 2 finale, Bonpensiero was shot and killed after it was discovered that he was wearing a wire for the FBI.
Pastore was cast as a mobster many times throughout his acting career. He had gotten small parts in crime dramas such as Goodfellas and Carlito’s Way before landing big roles in The Jerky Boys: The Movie and HBO’s 1996 TV movie Gotti.
Pastore’s other film credits include Shark Tale, Mickey Blue Eyes, Witness to the Mob, The Deli, Spinning Gold, Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn, Revolver, This Thing of Ours, Bachelor Party Vegas, A Brooklyn State of Mind, and many others.
On the television side of things, Pastore played New York Undercover, Law & Order, Bull, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, General Hospital, and Pair of Kings. He was also a contestant on several reality shows, including Dancing With the Stars, Shark Tank, and Celebrity Family Feud.
Pastore also hosted his own show on SiriusXM called “The Wise Guy.” These radio shows would run for 3 hours and included interviews with various celebrities and prominent members of the Italian-American population.
Pastore’s body was found in his home in the Bronx by his longtime friend, Stephen Villano. He is survived by his daughter, Renee.