Over the years, members of The Sopranos’ cast have sadly passed on and, this weekend, another member sadly left us. Vincent Pastore, best known to fans for his role as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero – died at the age of 80. The news was confirmed by Pastore’s representative and, since then, many have taken to social media to pay tribute to the veteran actor. At the same time, other members of the cast, like Edie Falco and Michael Imperioli, are also honoring Pastore following his death.
Pastore’s body was reportedly discovered on Saturday by a neighbor, who came to check on him in his Bronx-based home after not hearing from him for a few days. According to Page Six, Pastore died of natural causes. Following that news, Edie Falco – who played Carmela Soprano on Sopranos – released a statement to the aforementioned news outlet. The Emmy winner briefly and warmly reflected on her former scene partner:
It’s an awful loss. So unexpected. Vinnie was always so full of life.
Though Falco previously admitted to not being able to watch Sopranos for a myriad of emotional reasons, she has shown affection for her co-stars in the years since the show ended. Another person who’s done that as well – and has famously re-watched the show is Michael Imperioli, known for his Emmy-winning performance as the volatile Christopher Moltisanti. Imperioli posted a throwback photo of himself and Pastore to Instagram, and that was accompanied by warm message:
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. Vinny was a kind hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always.
Dominic Chianese – who played Uncle “Junior” Soprano – also shared a tribute to IG. The seasoned posted a photo of himself alongside Pastore and, via his caption, Chianese acknowledged the loss of his “friend”:
We lost a friend today. Paying respect and sending Love in tribute. You were a gem Vinnie🤍
Born in New York City in 1946, Vincent Pastore was a series regular during the first two seasons of The Sopranos, with Season 2 ending with his character’s death. Pastore, however, made occasional appearances on the show afterwards via flashbacks and dream sequences. Aside from his Screen Actors Guild-winning performance on the show, the actor also landed roles on a variety of films and TV shows from Goodfellas and Carlito’s Way to Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Yellowjackets.
Page Six also noted that one of Pastore’s final public appearances came in June 2024, at which point he supported Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante on Sopranos. Upon learning of Pastore’s death, Van Zandt posted a BTS photo including other actors like James Gandolfini and Imperioli to X and shared a message:
Another irreplaceable brother gone. It never gets any easier. Travel well Vincenzo.
Van Zandt’s statement is a poignant reminder that several series alums are no longer with us, including beloved Tony Soprano actor James Galdofini, who died in 2007, and Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri portrayer Tony Sirico, who passed away in 2022. For Pastore, another tribute came from Lorraine Bracco, who played therapist Jennifer Melfi during the show’s run. Bracco – who paid tribute to Sopranos co-star Jerry Alder upon his death nearly a year ago – shared a photo of Pastore on her Instagram story and penned this:
Such a funny & charming man...just a beautiful soul. Absolutely heartbreaking.
Drea de Matteo – who played Adriana La Cerva on Chase’s show – also shared two tributes to Pastore on her Instagram stories, with the first including a photo of the late Made alum and heart and prayer hands emojis. The second posted included a classic photo of Pastore and Gandolfini, and de Matteo included the caption, “at least they’re reunited.” Additionally, Joe Pantoliano – who won an Emmy for his performance as Ralph Cifaretto on The Sopranos – shared a photo on IG in memory of Pastore and said:
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.
Like other fans of The Sopranos, I’m saddened by Vincent Pastore’s death, and it marks a significant loss for the entertainment community. What comforts me, though, is that his performance as Sal will surely be enjoyed by HBO Max subscription holders and other viewers for years to come, and the same goes for his many other performances. We here at CinemaBlend extend our condolences to Pastore’s friends and family.
