Vincent Pastore, the veteran American actor best known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in the landmark television drama The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. Pastore was found dead at his home on Long Island, New York, after friends and associates had been unable to reach him for several days. His cause of death had not yet been confirmed to his family at the time of reporting. He is survived by his daughter, Renee.

Born in the Bronx, New York, in 1946, Pastore grew up in suburban New Rochelle before enlisting in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He later studied at Pace University and pursued a career in acting that would span more than 180 films and television series. His early screen credits included notable roles in the acclaimed 1990 films Goodfellas and Awakenings, as well as the 1993 crime thriller Carlito's Way. He also appeared in television series including Law & Order, General Hospital and Hawaii Five-O.

It was his role in The Sopranos, the HBO drama that aired from 1999 to 2007 and centres on an Italian-American mob boss in New Jersey, that brought Pastore widespread recognition. He played Big Pussy across all six seasons of the show — including in flashback and dream sequences — despite his character being killed off in the second series after being revealed as an FBI informant. In 2000, Pastore and the full Sopranos cast shared a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Those who worked closely with Pastore paid tribute to both his professionalism and his generosity. His longtime manager described him as "the most loyal client" who always gave to charity and was willing to help anyone. His agent of more than three decades spoke of a man who was "passionate about his craft" and consistently generous with young actors, offering guidance and encouragement throughout his career. "I will miss his friendship, his loyalty, his humor, and his heart," he said.

Pastore's death comes as a loss to fans of prestige television on both sides of the Atlantic. The Sopranos remains one of the most celebrated drama series in television history, widely credited with transforming the medium's storytelling ambitions. For many viewers, Pastore's warmly menacing portrayal of Big Pussy was among its most memorable performances.