Vincent Pastore, the actor widely recognized for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s acclaimed series “The Sopranos,” has died at the age of 80. Pastore was found deceased on Saturday in his City Island home in The Bronx, New York, according to sources familiar with the matter. Authorities said the actor died of natural causes.

Pastore’s career spanned several decades, during which he became known for playing mobster characters in film and television. Born in The Bronx in 1946, he served in the Vietnam War before earning a degree in drama from Pace University. He built his acting resume with small parts in notable films such as “Goodfellas” (1990) and “Carlito’s Way” (1993), and he took on a prominent role in the HBO movie “Gotti” (1996).

In addition to his work in movies, Pastore appeared on daytime television’s “One Life to Live” and made multiple guest spots on the procedural series “Law & Order.” His later projects included a 2024 appearance as himself on the series “The Curse” and a voice role in “Yellowjackets” in 2025.

Despite numerous roles, Pastore was best known for his portrayal of Big Pussy Bonpensiero, a major character in the first two seasons of “The Sopranos.” His character was killed off but returned for several flashback scenes. Pastore’s performance helped define the show’s depiction of mob life, although he emphasized that his real-life upbringing was far removed from the environment portrayed on screen. He told a magazine that he grew up in a traditional Italian-American household in New Rochelle and never encountered the kind of criminal figures he played.

Pastore’s manager, Robert Attermann, paid tribute to the actor’s warmth and generosity following his death. “I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before ‘The Sopranos’ made him a household name,” Attermann said. “He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph.”

Vincent Pastore’s contributions to film and television left a lasting impression on audiences, particularly within the crime drama genre, solidifying his legacy as a beloved character actor.