American actor Vincent Pastore died at the age of 80, his manager Robert Attermann confirmed to CBS News. His body was found in his home in the Bronx in New York, and according to available information, there are no indications that the death was linked to criminal activity.
Pastore is best known to the wider public for his role as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in the acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos. In that role, he played Tony Soprano's best friend who became an FBI informant. His character's death in the second season of the series left a lasting impression on viewers.
Before becoming a recognisable television face, Pastore served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He was born in the Bronx in 1946, where he spent most of his life. Details of the death were learned by his manager Bob McGowan on Saturday from another client and Sopranos colleague, actor Vincent Curatola.
He built his acting career with appearances in numerous films and series. In cinema, he stood out with roles in Goodfellas and Carlito's Way. On the small screen, he guest-starred in popular series Law & Order, General Hospital and Hawaii Five-O.
