Pastore was discovered dead at his home in the Bronx on Saturday, August 1, after a neighbour had not heard from him for three days, according to Deadline. The circumstances of his death remain under investigation, and the exact cause has not yet been publicly disclosed.
The actor was recognised for his portrayal of mobster Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in HBO's The Sopranos. He appeared in nearly 200 films and television programmes, featuring in productions such as GoodFellas, Carlito's Way, The Jerky Boys: The Movie, Gotti, and numerous others.
Final screen role and early life
His final appearance was in a 2025 episode of Yellowjackets.
Born into an Italian-American household in the Bronx, New York City on July 14, 1946, Pastore spent his childhood in a flat above a social club in New Rochelle, New York. He graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1964.
Military service and education
After secondary school, he joined the military and served three years with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam conflict. On returning to New York, he obtained a drama qualification from Pace University, having changed his course from business studies.
