Vincent Pastore, 'Sopranos' actor who played Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero, dies at 80

Discovery at City Island home

Vincent Pastore was found dead at his home on City Island in the Bronx on Saturday, August 1, 2026. His longtime friend Stephen Villano discovered the body after Pastore had not been heard from for several days. The cause of death has not been made public and remains under investigation. Pastore was 80 years old.

Bob McGowan, who managed Pastore since his run on The Sopranos, told the Associated Press that he learned of the death from actor Vincent Curatola. McGowan described Pastore as "the most loyal client" who "always gave to charity" and "would help anybody."

The role that defined a career

Pastore is best known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's The Sopranos, appearing in 30 episodes across the series' six seasons. The character, a close friend of mob boss Tony Soprano, becomes an FBI informant, a betrayal that leads to one of the show's most memorable storylines. Although his character was killed off in the second season, Pastore continued to appear in flashbacks and dream sequences throughout the entire run. In 2000, Pastore and the rest of the cast won a Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series.

Tributes from managers and co-stars

Robert Attermann, Pastore's longtime manager, said in a statement: "The world will remember him as the unforgettable 'Big Pussy,' but for those of us who knew him, he was so much more. He loved being an actor, was passionate about his craft, and always supported, respected, and showed generosity to young actors, taking time to give them advice and help whenever he could."

“For over three decades I had the honor of witnessing not only his extraordinary career, but also what a wonderful man he was. I will miss his friendship, loyalty, sense of humor, and heart.”

Co-star Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, wrote on social media: "Our beloved friend and collaborator Vincent Pastore has passed away. We spent so many beautiful moments together and traveled through the United States, Italy, and Australia. Vinny was a man with a big heart, who deeply loved his family and friends. I will always miss him." Jamie-Lynn Sigler described him as "a wonderful actor and a good and loving man." Tributes also came from Lorraine Bracco, Joe Pantoliano, and Steven Van Zandt.

From the Navy to the screen

Born in the Bronx on July 14, 1946, Pastore grew up in New Rochelle, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and later attended Pace University. He began acting in his 40s, with his first film role in Black Roses. He went on to appear in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas (1990), Awakenings (1990), Carlito's Way (1993), and Woody Allen's Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). His television credits included Law & Order, General Hospital, Hawaii Five-O, and Everybody Hates Chris. Feature films included Money Train and Guy Ritchie's Revolver. Pastore was also inducted onto the Bronx Wall of Fame.

Personal life

Pastore had a daughter, Renee Pastore. In 2005, he pleaded guilty to attempting to assault a woman he was in a relationship with, according to El Confidencial. He was sentenced to 10 days of community service and a rehabilitation course.