Vincent Pastore, best known as mobster Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in HBO's acclaimed series The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80.
The actor was found dead at his home in the Bronx on Saturday, 1 August, by a neighbour who had not heard from him for three days, according to Deadline. The publication reported that the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. The cause of death has yet to be made public, according to the Mirror US.
Career highlights
Pastore appeared in nearly 200 films and television productions, including GoodFellas, Carlito's Way, The Jerky Boys: The Movie, Gotti and numerous others. His final screen appearance came in a 2025 episode of Yellowjackets.
Early life and military service
Born into an Italian-American family in the Bronx, New York City, on 14 July 1946, Pastore was raised in a flat above a social club in New Rochelle, New York. He completed his schooling at New Rochelle High School in 1964.
After graduating, he served three years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He later returned to New York and earned a degree in drama from Pace University, having switched his studies away from business.
