Vincent Pastore, “Big Pussy” in ‘The Sopranos, ‘Dies at 80

Vincent Pastore has died at 80.

The veteran actor whose unmistakable presence made him one of television and film’s most recognizable gangsters, will forever be known for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in “The Sopranos.”

Tony Soprano’s longtime friend and mob associate, Pastore gave the character a warmth and vulnerability beneath his intimidating exterior, making Big Pussy far more than a stereotypical gangster. His eventual betrayal of the family and devastating fate became one of the series’ defining storylines.

Before “The Sopranos,” Pastore had already established himself as a reliable presence in gangster pictures. He played Angelo Ruggiero in the 1996 television film “Gotti,” bringing a rough-edged authenticity to the volatile Gambino associate. He also appeared in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas,” one of his earliest screen roles, as the memorably credited “Man with Coatrack.”

Pastore showed another side of himself in “Two Family House,” the acclaimed 2000 indie drama in which he played Angelo. Far removed from the gangster world, the performance demonstrated that his talents extended beyond the mobster archetype and that there was considerably more range beneath his familiar tough-guy exterior. A film, and performance, well worth seeking out.

He continued to return to crime and comedy throughout his career, including memorable supporting appearances in “Made,” “Mickey Blue Eyes” and numerous other films and television shows.

That said, Pastore’s legacy will inevitably be tied to the mobsters he played so convincingly, and for millions he will always be Big Pussy—a complicated, flawed and unforgettable man whose story became one of The Sopranos’ most memorable tragedies.