Tragedy has struck The Sopranos family.
On Saturday, news broke that Vincent Pastore, who memorably played Salvatore “Big P***y” Bonpensiero on the beloved HBO show, passed away at 80 years old. According to Deadline, Vincent was found dead in his City Island home in the Bronx by a neighbor.
So, so sad.
The outlet reported Vincent’s manager had not heard from the actor for three days, but that his driver may have spoken to him as recently as Friday night. Police sources have since revealed Vincent’s death is believed to be from natural causes.
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As fans come to terms with the sudden passing, The Sopranos cast has begun paying tribute to their late co-star. In a statement to Page Six on Saturday, Edie Falco, who played Carmela Soprano, said:
“It’s an awful loss. So unexpected. Vinnie was always so full of life.”
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Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, called Vincent a “beloved friend and collaborator” in a touching post on Instagram:
“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. Vinny was a kind hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always.”
See (below):
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Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, wrote on her Story:
“
a wonderful actor, a kind and loving man. It was an honor to know you and work with you.”
a wonderful actor, a kind and loving man. It was an honor to know you and work with you.”Lorraine Bracco, who played Dr. Jennifer Melfi, wrote on her Story:
“Such a funny & charming man…just a beautiful soul. Absolutely heartbreaking
Drea de Matteo, who played Adriana La Cerva, shared a loving red heart and praying hands emoji on her Story, while Dominic Chianese, who played Corrado “Junior” Soprano, wrote:
“We lost a friend today. Paying respect and sending Love in tribute. You were a gem Vinnie”
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Such beautiful tributes.
On Saturday, the Shark Tale voice actor’s manager Robert Attermann also mourned him in a lengthy statement to Page Six:
“I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before ‘The Sopranos’ made him a household name. To the world, he will always be remembered as the unforgettable ‘Big P***y,’ but to those of us who knew him, he was so much more. 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.”
Awww. The statement continued:
“[Vincent] genuinely appreciated the people who supported him and always made them feel valued. He loved being an actor. He was passionate about his craft and was always encouraging, respectful, and generous with young actors, taking the time to offer guidance and support whenever he could.”
Robert went on to call the loss “deeply personal.”
“Over more than three decades, I had the honor of watching not only his remarkable career but also the incredible person he was. I will miss his friendship, his loyalty, his humor, and his heart. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless fans whose lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his memorable performances. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”
Absolutely beautiful and touching words.
Our hearts go out to Vinnie’s loved ones. Rest in peace.
