Vincent Pastore, 'Big Pussy' of 'The Sopranos,' Dies at 80

Vincent Pastore, the Bronx-born actor who gave enduring life to one of television's most memorable betrayals, died Saturday at 80 in the home borough that shaped him. Best known as Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero on The Sopranos, he carried a career spanning Vietnam, Pace University drama studies, and more than three decades of screen work — from Goodfellas to guest appearances as recently as 2025. His passing closes a chapter not only in prestige television history, but in the quieter story of a craftsman who mentored others long after fame had already found him.