Sopranos Star Breaks Silence With Emotional Statement After Vincent Pastore’s Tragic Passing at 80
They say every gangster show needs a “Big Pussy”—but nobody ever tells you what happens when the last laugh fades and the lights dim on the strip club. Seriously, how do you mourn a guy who made betrayal look so heartbreakingly human? The passing of Vincent Pastore—forever Salvatore ‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero to diehard Sopranos fans—has left a cannoli-sized hole in our collective pop-culture psyche . I remember the first time I watched that fateful episode, the room went silent—like someone hit pause on our adolescence . Now, as Michael Imperioli and the rest of the crew share personal tributes, it’s impossible not to wonder: What made Vinny’s charm and kindness linger long after the curtain closed? Dive into the tributes, the laughter, and the unforgettable legacy of a man who made even the mob feel like family . LEARN MORE
Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos, has paid tribute to his late co-star Vincent Pastore.
Pastore’s death was announced after his body was found in his Bronx residence by a neighbour on Saturday (1 August).
His manager hadn’t heard from him for three days, according to a family friend, while the actor’s driver had last spoken to him on the phone on Friday night. The cause of death is being determined.
Taking to Instagram, Imperioli wrote: “Our beloved friend and collaborator VINCENT PASTORE has passed away.
“This is a hard one for us, it seems like I’ve known Vinny forever.
“We did lots of work together and traveled all over the USA as well as Italy and Australia. Lots of good times. Lots of laughs.
Michael Imperioli and Vincent Pastore pictured at the ‘Shark Tale’ premiere in 2004 (Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
“Vinny was a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always.”
Pastore starred as Salvatore ‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero in The Sopranos, playing a close confidant and enforcer to Tony Soprano who turned into an FBI informant.
Despite his character’s early exit, Pastore remained an essential part of the show’s legacy, appearing in dream sequences and flashbacks across all six seasons.
He shared a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2000 alongside his castmates.
Vincent Pastore’s character Salvatore ‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero was a fan-favourite (HBO)
Lorraine Bracco, who played Dr. Jennifer Melfi, also said in a tribute: “Such a funny & charming man… just a beautiful soul. Absolutely heartbreaking.”
Joe Pantoliano, who played Ralph Cifaretto, added: “God bless him. He made it to 80. Vin and I were never actually on set together, but through our Sopranos family I got to know him over the years.
“I always liked him. He had this incredible appetite for the business and he never lost that spark. That always made me smile.
“My heart goes out to his family, his friends and everyone who loved him. Rest easy, Vin.”
The Sopranos co-stars have paid tribute to Pastore (HBO)
Stevie Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante, also penned on X” “Another irreplaceable brother gone. It never gets any easier. Travel well Vincenzo.”
Pastore’s first big role came in 1988 film Black Roses, going on to play various mob roles, in the likes of Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Witness to the Mob.
“Vinny was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph,” his manager Robert Attermann told USA Today.
“He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph. He genuinely appreciated the people who supported him and always made them feel valued.”
Attermann said he ‘leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his memorable performances. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. May his memory be a blessing’.
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