Vincent Pastore, the actor famously known for his role as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's landmark series "The Sopranos," has died at the age of 80. He was discovered by a neighbor on Saturday, triggering an investigation by the New York Police Department as the cause of death remains unknown. Pastore’s character was a key enforcer for Tony Soprano and appeared in 30 episodes across all six seasons of the show, despite being killed off in the Season 2 finale for being an FBI informant.

Born in the Bronx in 1946, Pastore had a prolific acting career spanning over 180 projects across film and television. His early credits included roles in notable movies like Martin Scorsese’s "Goodfellas" and "Awakenings" with Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. Besides his defining work on "The Sopranos," he appeared in comedies such as "Corky Romano," voiced a character in the animated film "Shark Tale," and acted alongside Robert De Niro again in the 2013 dark comedy "The Family."

Pastore’s television appearances were extensive, with guest roles in shows including "Law & Order," "General Hospital," and the crime thriller "The Practice." His recent work included the indie crime movie "The Birthday Cake" in 2021, which reunited him with fellow Sopranos star Lorraine Bracco, and his final screen credit was a voice part in the 2025 Paramount+ series "Yellowjackets." He was recognized with the "Sopranos" cast by a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in 2000.

Vincent Pastore is survived by a daughter and is remembered for his iconic portrayal that helped define modern television mob stories. His work on "The Sopranos," created by David Chase, left a lasting impact on the genre and television history, commemorating his legacy as a beloved figure in Hollywood entertainment.