Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for playing mobster Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos, has died. He was 80.

Pastore was found dead at his home in the Bronx on Saturday, Aug. 1, after a neighbor became concerned when they had not heard from him for three days, according to Deadline. The cause of death has not yet been determined and remains under investigation. However, according to TMZ, sources with direct knowledge said Vincent Pastore died of natural causes.

The outlet also reported that a neighbor last saw Pastore on Wednesday and exchanged text messages with him on Thursday. He was found dead in his bed on Saturday.

Vincent Pastore was an American actor best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s groundbreaking crime drama The Sopranos. With his rugged appearance, New York accent, and natural screen presence, Pastore became one of the most recognizable actors to portray mobsters on television and in film. Although he often played tough, intimidating characters, friends and colleagues frequently described him as warm, funny, and generous off screen.

Born on July 14, 1946, in the Bronx, New York, Pastore was raised in an Italian American family. Before becoming an actor, he served in the U.S. Navy and later worked a variety of jobs, including operating nightclubs in New York City. His connections to the city’s entertainment scene eventually led him to acting, where he discovered a talent for playing colorful and believable characters.

Pastore began appearing in movies and television during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He landed supporting roles in films such as Goodfellas (1990), Carlito’s Way (1993), Mickey Blue Eyes (1999), Revolver (2005), and The Family (2013). His authentic New York style made him a popular choice for crime dramas, and he also appeared in television shows including Law & Order, NYPD Blue, Blue Bloods, and General Hospital.

His career reached new heights in 1999 when he was cast as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in The Sopranos. Big Pussy was one of Tony Soprano’s oldest friends and a trusted member of the New Jersey crime family. The character became a fan favorite because of his loyalty, humor, and emotional complexity. One of the show’s most memorable storylines involved Big Pussy secretly working as an FBI informant, creating tension that led to one of the series’ most shocking and emotional episodes. Although Pastore left the show after the second season, his performance remained one of the defining parts of the series, and he returned in flashbacks and dream sequences.

Following The Sopranos, Pastore stayed active in the entertainment industry. He appeared in independent films, guest-starred on television series, and performed in stage productions. He also became a familiar face on reality television, competing on Dancing with the Stars in 2007. Although he was the first contestant eliminated that season, he embraced the experience with humor and remained popular with fans.

Outside of acting, Pastore frequently attended fan conventions, charity events, and The Sopranos reunions, where he enjoyed meeting viewers who continued to celebrate the show’s lasting impact. He also hosted radio programs and podcasts where he shared stories about his life, career, and friendships within the entertainment industry.

Michael Imperioli, the American actor, writer, and musician best known for his roles as Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos, Dominic in The White Lotus, and Spider in Goodfellas, shared a heartfelt tribute to Pastore on Instagram. He wrote:

“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.”

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee.