Vincent Pastore has passed at the age of 80. The actor was famous for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's The Sopranos. The mob enforcer that betrayed Tony Soprano became one of the show's most impactful characters. That scene left a mark. It remained. Three national outlets together announced his passing. Newsrooms learned of it late Saturday, August 1, 2026. Spoken of by peers, he read as a large man who was also genial. But he also scared you a little. He was not just reading lines. He brought a real, lived-in weight to nearly every scene. His character's dive stayed with viewers well past the show ended. It still lives on.
Sources & References
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Vincent Pastore, mob enforcer on 'The Sopranos,' dies at 80 - NBC News
Vincent Pastore, mob enforcer on 'The Sopranos,' dies at 80 NBC News
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Vincent Pastore, best known for his role in "The Sopranos," dies at 80 - CBS News
Vincent Pastore, best known for his role in "The Sopranos," dies at 80 CBS News
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Vincent Pastore, Whose 'Sopranos' Character Ratted Out Tony, Dies at 80 - The New York Times
Vincent Pastore, Whose 'Sopranos' Character Ratted Out Tony, Dies at 80 The New York Times
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Vincent Pastore Dies: 'The Sopranos' Star Was 80 - Deadline
Vincent Pastore Dies: 'The Sopranos' Star Was 80 Deadline
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'Sopranos' Star Vincent Pastore Dead at 80 - Complex
'Sopranos' Star Vincent Pastore Dead at 80 Complex