‘Sopranos’ Star Tony Sirico Passes Away at 79

Entertainment

| LAST UPDATE 07/10/2022

By Zuzanna Krause
tony sirico sopranos dead
Barbara Alper / Contributor via Getty Images

One of our favorite Sopranos actors, Tony Sirico, passed away this weekend, and fans everywhere are devastated. Probably one of the most quotable series of all time, The Sopranos, took over the world when it was released in the late '90s. There was something about Tony Soprano and the gang that everyone loved - especially Paulie Walnuts...

Sirico was best known for his role as Paulie Walnuts on HBO's six seasons of The Sopranos from 1999 to 2007. Over his lengthy career, the actor featured in movies such as Goodfellas and Bullets Over Broadway before landing his most iconic and memorable role in the mob drama. On July 8, his rep Bob McGowan confirmed the news of his passing, saying, "Tony was a very loyal client, always gave to charity, and was a member of the Wounded Warriors and an Army vet." Fellow Sopranos' costars have taken to social media to share their love and prayers for their beloved castmate.

Tony Sirico The Sopranos
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Michael Imperioli, who starred alongside Sirico in The Sopranos as Christopher Moltisanti, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram honoring his late friend. "Tony was like no one else: he was as tough, as loyal, and as big-hearted as anyone I've ever known. I was at his side through so much: through good times and bad. But mostly good. And we had a lot of laughs. We found a groove as Christopher and Paulie, and I am proud to say I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear pal Tony." Another Sopranos legend, Steven Van Zandt, took to Twitter to pay tribute, writing, "A larger than life character on and off-screen," he said. "Gonna miss you a lot, my friend. Deepest condolences to the family."

Many more Sopranos cast members, such as Lorraine Bracco, A.K.A. Jennifer Melfi, Joseph R. Gannascoli, who portrayed Vito, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, also took to social media to share their condolences and love towards the great Tony Sirico. In addition, many fans have taken to Twitter to mourn their favorite Sopranos actor and share some of their favorite quotes said by Paulie himself. Safe to say, Mr. Walnuts' legacy will live on forever.

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