NEW YORK — Vincent Pastore, a veteran actor who performed mobsters and difficult guys, and was greatest identified for portraying Salvatore “Large Pussy” Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos,” has died. He was 80.
Bob McGowan, who managed Pastore since his run on “The Sopranos,” advised The Related Press that he realized of his demise Saturday from one other consumer and actor on the present, Vincent Curatola.
He mentioned Pastore was present in his house on New York’s Metropolis Island after not being heard from for just a few days.
McGowan mentioned he had been making an attempt to achieve Pastore a few attainable job.
“He was probably the most loyal consumer, and he all the time gave to charity,” McGowan mentioned, “and he was the type of man who would assist anyone, which is uncommon in my enterprise.”
Robert Attermann represented Pastore for greater than 30 years, earlier than his time on “The Sopranos.” Whereas Pastore shall be remembered as “Large Pussy,” he was a lot extra, Attermann mentioned in an e mail to the AP.
“Vinny was one of many kindest, most beneficiant folks I’ve ever identified,” Attermann mentioned. “He handled everybody with heat and respect, by no means turning down a fan who wished {a photograph} or an autograph. He genuinely appreciated the individuals who supported him and all the time made them really feel valued.”
Attermann mentioned Pastore liked being an actor and was obsessed with his craft whereas all the time encouraging younger actors, “taking the time to supply steerage and help every time he may.”
Michael Imperioli, a longtime pal and collaborator, mentioned on Instagram that it appeared as if he had identified pastore ceaselessly.
“We did numerous work collectively and traveled everywhere in the USA in addition to Italy and Australia. A number of good occasions. A number of laughs,” Imperioli mentioned. “Vinny was a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his household and buddies. I’ll miss him all the time.”
Pastore appeared in films courting again to the Eighties together with roles in large movies resembling “Goodfellas” and “Awakenings,” each in 1990.
He typically performed gangsters. And it was a type of roles he’s greatest identified for: his 30-episode run as Bonpensiero, the pal of Tony Soprano who turns into an FBI informant.
Pastore was born within the Bronx and grew up in suburban New Rochelle, New York. He enlisted within the Navy in the course of the Vietnam Battle and later attended Tempo College, based on his biography on IMDb.
He’s survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.
