Vincent Pastore, a seasoned actor recognized for his portrayals of mobsters and tough characters, notably as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on the television series The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 80. The news was confirmed by Bob McGowan, Pastore’s long-time manager post his stint on The Sopranos, who was informed of the sad event by another colleague and co-star from the show, Vincent Curatola.
Pastore was discovered in his residence on New York’s City Island after being out of contact for several days. McGowan had been attempting to contact him regarding a potential job opportunity. Describing Pastore as a highly dedicated client who was actively involved in charitable endeavors, McGowan praised his generosity and willingness to assist others, qualities he deemed rare in the entertainment industry.
Michael Imperioli, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Pastore, expressed his deep connection with the late actor on Instagram, reminiscing about their extensive shared experiences in the U.S., Italy, and Australia. Imperioli fondly described Pastore as a compassionate individual who prioritized his loved ones and friends, expressing his enduring sorrow over the loss.
With a career spanning back to the 1980s, Pastore featured in notable films such as Goodfellas and Awakenings in 1990, often portraying gangster roles. However, his most prominent role remains his portrayal of Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in The Sopranos across 30 episodes.
Born in the Bronx to an Italian American family, Pastore was raised in suburban New Rochelle, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before pursuing education at Pace University, as documented on IMDb. He is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.
