TONY Sirico, known for playing mobster Paulie Walnuts in The Sopranos, has died aged 79.
Sirico appeared in the hit HBO series along with Michael Imperioli, who released a statement confirming the death of his opponent.
6
6
6
Imperioli shared a photo of herself and Tony Sirico on Instagram, writing that he is “heartbroken.”
“It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, the great TONY SIRICO passed away today,” Imperioli wrote in the caption.
“Tony was like no other: he was as tough, as loyal and as generous-hearted as anyone I’ve ever known.
“I was by his side through so much: in good times and bad. But above all good. And we laughed a lot.
“We found a groove as Christopher and Paulie and I’m proud to say that I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear friend Tony.
“I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable.
“I send love to his family, friends and his many fans. He was loved and will never be forgotten. Heartbreaking today.”
Sirico’s character, Paulie ‘Walnuts’, was a captain in the mafia family and served as… Tony Sopranos right hand.
Sirico was born on July 29, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York.
Like many of his co-stars, Sirico appeared in goodfellas before joining the Sopranos cast.
While he continued to play the various mafia bosses in TV shows and movies, Sirico also found steady work as a voiceover artist.
Sirico appeared in a number of Woody Allen movies, including Bullets Over Broadway, Mighty Aphrodite, and Cafe Society.
He can also be heard playing various characters in shows such as Family man and American father.
Sirico was 79 years old.
A cause of death has not been announced.
His brother, Robert Sirico, shared a tribute on Facebook.
“It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and many fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony ‘Tony’ Sirico Jr. wishes to inform you of his passing on the morning of July 8, 2022.”
‘ONE OF THOUSANDS’
The tributes from friends and fans continue to pour in for the beloved actor.
Michael Gandolfinson of the late Sopranos star James Gandolfinshared a tribute on his Instagram page.
“Tony Sirico was one of the nicest, fiercely loyal and sincere men I have ever known.
“He was always Uncle Tony to me, and Tony always showed up for me and my family.
“I will miss his pinches on my cheek and his infectious laugh so much. He was a phenomenal actor and an even better man.
“Tony was one of a kind. He touched many with his gift and my heart goes out to his family, his friends and all his fans.
“We love you Tony, thank you for all the joy you have brought to many. You will be missed.”
Fans also share their heartbreak on social media.
“RIP Tony Sirico, terrible legend. A real gangster who cleaned up his life, played several small roles in New York gangster movies (including Tony Stacks in Goodfellas) and then got the part of his life as Paulie Walnuts This week sucks,” tweeted one fan.
“Damn it. RIP Tony Sirico aka Paulie. He gave us one of the best characters in TV show history,” another tweeted.
“RIP Tony Sirico. Great actor and absolutely brilliant at the Sopranos,” wrote another fan.
“RIP Tony Sirico. Paulie Walnuts was my favorite character on my favorite show ever. So much depth and humor to him. God bless those white walls,” wrote another fan.
“Paulie Walnuts, one of the funniest characters of the Sopranos and my favorite. Absolutely legendary acting by Tony Sirico. Will be sorely missed,” said another.
The Sun has reached out to Sirico’s manager for comment.
6
6