The Sopranos star Vincent Pastore dies aged 80 – fellow cast members lead tributes
The actor was also known for his roles in Hawaii Five-0 and Goodfellas.
Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images
- Morgan Cormack
Published: Sunday, 2 August 2026 at 10:39 am
Actor Vincent Pastore has died aged 80 at his home in New York, his manager has confirmed.
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In a statement to NBC News, his manager Robert Attermann acknowledged that the world will remember Pastore as his iconic character in The Sopranos, but said: "To those of us who knew him, he was so much more."
He added: "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."
Tony Sirico, Steve Van Zandt, James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli And Vincent Pastore. Getty Images
Attermann had not heard from Pastore for a number of days but Pastore's driver had spoken to him on the phone on the night of Friday 31 July. Pastore was found dead at his Bronx residence by a neighbour on Saturday 1 August. A cause of death has not been determined at this time.
Best known for his role in HBO's The Sopranos as Salvatore Bonpensiero, the veteran actor became known for his portrayals of gangsters and mobsters over the years.
Other projects included Goodfellas, Awakenings and Gotti, where he acted alongside future Sopranos co-stars Tony Sirico, Frank Vincent, and Dominic Chianese.
Arguably his most notable role, Pastore's stint as Bonpensiero unfolded across 30 episodes and saw his character as the best friend of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), who turned FBI informant. It was his character's murder that went onto become one of The Sopranos' most memorable storylines.
Now, it's those that Pastore worked with in the HBO series that are leading the tributes in the wake of his sad passing.
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The White Lotus star Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, wrote on Instagram: "Our beloved friend and collaborator Vincent Pastore has passed away. This is a hard one for us, it seems like I've known Vinny forever. 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."
Similarly, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, wrote on her Instagram Stories: "A wonderful actor, a kind and loving man. It was an honour to know you and work with you."
Lorraine Bracco, who starred as Dr Jennifer Melfi, wrote: "Such a funny [and] charming man… just a beautiful soul. Absolutely heartbreaking."
Joe Pantoliano, who played Ralph Cifaretto, also shared on Instagram: "God bless him. He made it to 80. Vin and I were never actually on set together, but through our Sopranos family I got to know him over the years.
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"I always liked him. He had this incredible appetite for the business and he never lost that spark. That always made me smile. My heart goes out to his family, his friends and everyone who loved him. Rest easy, Vin."
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Authors
Morgan CormackDrama Writer
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.
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