Actor Vincent Pastore, famed as ‘Big Pussy’ on The Sopranos, dies at 80

Vincent Pastore, the 80‑year‑old actor best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos, was found dead in his Bronx residence on August 1. A neighbor discovered him and authorities said the death appears to be from natural causes, with no medical examiner investigation required.

Pastore’s career spanned decades, from small film roles in Goodfellas and Carlito’s Way to recurring parts on Law & Order before his breakthrough as a mafia‑type character on The Sopranos. In addition to acting, he fronted a rock band called Big Pussy’s Gangster Squad, a name he adopted in homage to his iconic TV role. The band performed locally in New York, and Pastore discussed it in a 2019 interview that resurfaced after his death.