BRONX, N.Y. — Vincent Pastore, the actor known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos,” was found dead Saturday in his Bronx apartment, according to multiple media reports. He was 80.
A neighbor found Pastore after not hearing from him for about three days, Variety reported. Authorities are investigating his death.
The New York City Fire Department responded to the apartment at about 2:30 p.m. ET, according to TMZ. Pastore was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bob McGowan, Pastore’s manager, told TheWrap that he had recently been trying to contact the actor about a potential job.
“He was such a great guy. He was always helping charities. He would help anybody,” McGowan said, offering condolences to Pastore’s family.
Pastore was born in the Bronx and grew up in New Rochelle, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before attending Pace University, according to his IMDb biography.
He built a career portraying mobsters and appeared in more than 180 film and television projects over nearly four decades, according to IMDb.
His film credits included “Goodfellas,” “Carlito’s Way” and “Revolver.” He also appeared in “Shark Tale,” “Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn” and “Spinning Gold.”
On television, Pastore made guest appearances on “Law & Order,” “One Life to Live,” “Hawaii Five-0” and “Gravesend.”
He also competed or appeared on reality programs including “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Dancing With the Stars” and “Shark Tank.”
Pastore gained widespread recognition for his role as Bonpensiero, a longtime associate of Tony Soprano, on HBO’s “The Sopranos.”
He is survived by his daughter, Renee, according to Deadline.
