Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” has died. He was 80. His death was first reported by TMZ, and his former castmates have begun paying tribute to him.
Pastore played Big Pussy, a mobster and close friend of Tony Soprano, during the first two seasons of the acclaimed drama series. He was involved in one of the show’s most memorable moments, when his character was killed after being revealed as an FBI informant.
The role made Pastore a recognizable face in television, though he appeared in numerous other films and shows over his career. The Sopranos family is honoring his memory, according to E! Online, with colleagues mourning the loss.
No cause of death has been released. Pastore’s death was confirmed by CBS News and Variety, both of which noted his lasting association with the hit mob drama that aired on HBO.