Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for mob enforcer-turned-informant Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's hit series "The Sopranos," has died at the age of 80. The veteran actor, a native New Yorker, was found dead Saturday in his home in The Bronx, reports the Hollywood news outlet Deadline.
Now, it has been reported that Vincent Pastore celebrated his 80th birthday just weeks before he was found dead. The actor was reportedly sharing a cake with his “right-hand man” who remembered the “The Sopranos” star as a loyal friend who cared deeply for his community and causes close to his heart, according to The New York Post.
The picture shows Vincent Pastore laughing as he blew out candles following the “Happy Birthday” song, longtime pal Stephen Villano told The Post. “This is totally shocking,” said Villano, who last spoke to Pastore on Thursday. “He was an amazing individual and he loved his craft… his craft was to Broadway, movies, television,” Villano said.
'I will miss him a lot'
Villano, who knew Pastore for nearly 30 years, described himself as the actor’s “right-hand man.” He initially worked as Pastore’s driver before the two developed a close friendship.
Pastore lived alone and, according to Villano, had not been dealing with any illness before his death. Police sources told The Post that the actor died of natural causes.
“He was totally healthy. He was fine. He just went for his yearly physical,” Villano said.
The actor also had plenty of plans ahead, including television projects, premieres and performances with his old-rock band, “Gangster Squad,” where he sang and played the tambourine.
“I did everything with Vinny. I drove him to places. I took him to his doctor appointment, I sat with him on shows. I traveled with him,” Villano told The Post.
“He was a good man. I will miss him a lot,” he added, holding back tears.
On Saturday evening, friends, neighbors, actor and stuntman Chuck Zito, and others gathered at Pastore’s longtime home, where he had lived for 30 years, to remember the actor best known for portraying mobsters in numerous movies and television shows.
Who was Vincent Pastore?
Born on July 14, 1946, Vincent Pastore served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War before earning a university degree in drama.
He was often cast as a quintessential New York gangster, with film roles in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" (1990) and Brian de Palma's "Carlito's Way" (1993).
But his signature role was "Big Pussy," a right-hand man to Tony Soprano (the late James Gandolfini) who later became an FBI informant.
His murder at the end of season two is one of the most iconic scenes in the Emmy-winning series' long run.
"Not in the face, ok?" he says, before he is shot multiple times at point-blank range by Soprano and two other associates.
He made guest appearances on many television series including "Law and Order" and "The Practice," and did voice acting in the animated "Shark Tale."
He also appeared on several reality shows including "The Celebrity Apprentice," when Donald Trump was still hosting.
