Vincent Pastore, the veteran character actor who became a household name playing mobster Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's "The Sopranos," has died at 80, leaving behind a career built on tough-guy roles and a reputation as one of the kindest men in the business.

Pastore was found dead at his home on City Island, a small neighborhood in the Bronx, after friends and colleagues had not heard from him for several days. His manager, Bob McGowan, told the Associated Press he learned the news Saturday from Vincent Curatola, another "Sopranos" cast member and McGowan client. McGowan had been trying to reach Pastore about a possible job.

Police cited natural causes, and a longtime friend said Pastore had shown no signs of illness. Stephen Villano, whom the New York Post described as Pastore's "right-hand man," said the actor had recently completed a yearly physical and was in good health.

"He was totally healthy. He was fine. He just went for his yearly physical."

Villano told the Post that Pastore had celebrated his 80th birthday just weeks before his death. "He was a good man. I will miss him a lot," Villano said.

From the Navy to the big screen, a career decades in the making

Born in the Bronx and raised in New Rochelle, New York, Pastore took a path to Hollywood that ran through the U.S. military. He enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War era, then attended Pace University before turning to acting. His film career stretched back to the 1980s, and by 1990 he had landed roles in two major pictures: Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" and Penny Marshall's "Awakenings."

But it was "The Sopranos" that made him famous. Pastore appeared in 30 episodes as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, a New Jersey mobster secretly working as an FBI informant. The show, which premiered in 1999, reshaped American television drama and turned its ensemble cast into cultural fixtures. Pastore's portrayal of a conflicted wiseguy, loyal to his crew but trapped by the feds, gave the show one of its most memorable early storylines.

The entertainment world has lost several beloved actors in recent months. Sam Neill, the star of "Jurassic Park," died at 78, and the losses have reminded fans how deeply these performers shaped the stories Americans grew up watching.

Colleagues remember a man nothing like his on-screen persona

Robert Attermann, who represented Pastore for more than 30 years, long before "The Sopranos" made him a star, offered a tribute that drew a sharp line between the actor and the characters he played. Attermann emailed the AP a statement praising Pastore's warmth and generosity toward fans.

"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."

In a fuller statement carried by Fox News, Attermann added: "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." Actress Lorraine Bracco, who played Dr. Jennifer Melfi on "The Sopranos," called Pastore "such a funny & charming man...just a beautiful soul. Absolutely heartbreaking."

McGowan, who managed Pastore throughout his post-"Sopranos" career, emphasized the actor's charitable nature and loyalty.

"He was the most loyal client, and he always gave to charity, and he was the kind of guy who would help anybody, which is rare in my business."

That picture, of a man who played violent criminals on screen but spent his real life signing autographs, giving to charity, and looking after friends, came through in every tribute. It is a contrast worth noting in an era when Hollywood often confuses fame with virtue. Pastore, by all accounts from those who knew him, had both.

Anthony Head, another actor beloved for his television work, also died recently, a reminder that the generation of performers who defined prestige TV is growing smaller.

Michael Imperioli pays tribute to 'a kind-hearted brother'

Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti on "The Sopranos" and remained a close friend and collaborator of Pastore's for years, posted a tribute on Instagram. Their work together extended well beyond the show and took them across continents.

"We did lots of work together and traveled all over the USA as well as Italy and Australia. 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."

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore. No cause of death has been officially announced beyond the police determination of natural causes. No funeral arrangements were disclosed in initial reports.

The entertainment industry has faced a string of actor deaths in recent months, including coverage of Pastore's passing and the tragic killing of veteran actor James Handy at his California home earlier this year.

Vincent Pastore spent decades playing men who broke the rules. Off screen, by every account, he was the kind of man who held the door open. That says more than any role ever could.