Sopranos Star Vincent Pastore Dead at 80: “Big Pussy” Remembered
Sopranos Star Vincent Pastore Dead at 80: “Big Pussy” Remembered
Beloved "Sopranos" actor Vincent Pastore, known as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, has passed away at 80. Tributes pour in for the iconic TV tough guy.
Vincent Pastore, the veteran actor best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in the groundbreaking HBO series "The Sopranos," has died at the age of 80.
Pastore was reportedly found deceased in his Bronx, New York home on Saturday after he had not been seen or heard from for three days. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. His agent, Bob McGowen, expressed his profound sadness, remembering Pastore as "such a great guy" who was always willing to help others.
Born on July 14, 1946, in the Bronx to an Italian-American family, Pastore's life was a testament to resilience and unexpected turns. After graduating from New Rochelle High School in 1964, he served three years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he pursued drama at Pace University but eventually left after struggling to find acting roles. He then ventured into the nightclub business, even owning the now-defunct rock club and bar Crazy Horse in New Rochelle.
His entry into acting took an almost fabled turn. During a night out with actor brothers Matt and Kevin Dillon at his club, Matt Dillon pointed to Frank Vincent and Tony Musante on a TV playing "The Pope of Greenwich Village" and told Pastore, "You could do the work that these guys are doing." This pivotal moment set Pastore on the path to becoming one of television's most recognizable mob figures.
