Vincent Pastore, the Bronx-born actor who brought Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero to life on HBO's "The Sopranos," has died at 80, leaving behind a legacy shaped by grit, loyalty, and a late-blooming career few saw coming.

Friends found Pastore's body at his home on Saturday after he had not been heard from for several days, AP News reported. His longtime manager, Robert Attermann, who represented the actor for more than 30 years, confirmed the death. No cause of death has been disclosed.

Pastore was 80 years old. He died in the Bronx, the same New York City borough where he was born and where he spent most of his life. For millions of viewers, he was Big Pussy, the affable mob enforcer turned FBI informant whose arc across the first two seasons of "The Sopranos" became one of the show's defining storylines.

A Navy veteran who stumbled into acting through nightclub friendships

Pastore's path to the screen was anything but conventional. He grew up in New Rochelle, New York, served in the U.S. Navy, and attended Pace University. Before he ever stepped in front of a camera, he worked in the nightclub industry, a world that connected him to actors Matt Dillon and Kevin Dillon. Those friendships, Pastore later said, pushed him toward acting.

His early break came in director Nancy Savoca's Bronx comedy "True Love." He landed a small role as an extra in Martin Scorsese's 1990 mob classic "Goodfellas." Bit parts on shows like "Law & Order" followed. None of it made him famous.

That changed in 1999, when he was cast on "The Sopranos." Over the show's six-season run on HBO, Pastore's portrayal of Big Pussy, a likable wiseguy hiding a devastating secret, earned him a permanent place in television history. The character's nickname, the show explained, was rumored to have come from his fictional past as a cat burglar.

The entertainment world has lost several beloved actors in recent months, including Sam Neill, the star of "Jurassic Park," who died at 78.

Castmates remember a generous, loyal friend

Tributes poured in from the tight-knit "Sopranos" cast. Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante on the show, called Pastore "another irreplaceable brother" in a post on X.

Van Zandt wrote on social media:

"It never gets any easier. Travel well Vincenzo."

Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, shared memories on Instagram of traveling with Pastore across the United States, Italy, and Australia.

Imperioli wrote:

"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."

Lorraine Bracco, who played Tony Soprano's psychiatrist, called Pastore "a beautiful soul" on Instagram Stories and described the loss as "Absolutely heartbreaking."

Fox News reported that additional former co-stars, including Joe Pantoliano and Kathrine Narducci, also paid tribute on social media.

The death follows a difficult stretch for fans of iconic television, with Anthony Head, the beloved star of "Ted Lasso" and "Buffy," also passing away recently at 72.

Attermann: 'He was so much more' than Big Pussy

Attermann's statement painted a picture of a man whose character off-screen matched the warmth he projected on it. He said Pastore never turned down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph and "genuinely appreciated the people who supported him."

Attermann said:

"To the world, he will always be remembered as the unforgettable 'Big Pussy,' but to those of us who knew him, he was so much more."

"Vinny was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph. He genuinely appreciated the people who supported him and always made them feel valued."

Attermann added: "I will miss his friendship, his loyalty, his humor, and his generosity.... May his memory be a blessing."

Bob McGowan, described by AP News as Pastore's manager, offered a similar tribute, calling him "the most loyal client" and saying "he always gave to charity" and "was the kind of guy who would help anybody, which is rare in my business."

Beyond the screen: a theater co-founder, bandleader, and Bronx icon

Pastore never stopped working. He co-founded Renegade Theater NYC with Maureen Van Zandt, Steven Van Zandt's wife and a fellow "Sopranos" actor. Through that company, Pastore wrote "Crazy Horse," a play based on his own life as a rock-and-roll club owner.

He also fronted a band called Gangster Squad, which played small venues across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The group's Facebook page described its sound as "a mixture of classic hits from all different music genres, Rhythm and Blues, Rock & Roll, Funk, Soul, and Reggae."

He taught acting at HB Studio in New York. His manager said Pastore "loved being an actor" and enjoyed encouraging others interested in the craft.

In 2007, Pastore appeared on "Dancing With the Stars." He lasted one week, later saying the training was too difficult. In 2016, the Bronx Walk of Fame inducted him, a fitting honor for an actor who never left the borough.

The Bronx Walk of Fame's statement read: "His portrayal of the complex and lovable mobster earned him widespread recognition and praise. Pastore's ability to bring depth and authenticity to his character contributed to the show's success and solidified his place in television history."

As recently as 2024, Pastore attended the premiere of "Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple" at the Tribeca Festival in New York City, still showing up, still part of the family.

Vincent Pastore served his country, found his calling late, earned his place honestly, and never forgot where he came from. That is a life worth remembering.