The “Sopranos” cast is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Shortly after news broke that Vincent Pastore, who played Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” had died, his co-stars began paying tribute to him.
In a statement to Page Six, Edie Falco said, “It’s an awful loss. So unexpected.”
The actress, who played Carmela Soprano on the series, added, “Vinnie was always so full of life.”
Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti on “The Sopranos,” called Pastore a “beloved friend and collaborator” in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“This is a hard one for us, it seems like I’ve known Vinny forever,” he continued. “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.”
Imperioli concluded his tribute by noting that Pastore “was a kind hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends,” noting, “I will miss him always.”
In a post shared to her Instagram Stories, Lorraine Bracco wrote, “Such a funny & charming man…just a beautiful soul.”
The actress, who played Jennifer Melfi on the hit show, called Pastore’s death “absolutely heartbreaking 
.”
Dominic Chianese, who played Corrado “Junior” Soprano, wrote in an Instagram post, “We lost a friend today.”
“Paying respect and sending Love in tribute,” he continued. “You were a gem Vinnie
.”
Page Six confirmed Pastore’s death at the age of 80 on Saturday, with sources telling us he was found dead by a neighbor in his home on City Island in the Bronx.
Police sources told Page Six the actor had died of natural causes.
In a heartfelt statement to Page Six, Pastore’s longtime manager, Robert Attermann, mourned his death in a lengthy statement.
“I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before ‘The Sopranos’ made him a household name,” Attermann said. “To the world, he will always be remembered as the unforgettable ‘Big Pussy,’ but to those of us who knew him, he was so much more.”
Attermann called Pastore “one of the kindest, most generous people [he’d] ever known,” noting that he “treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph.”
“He loved being an actor. He was passionate about his craft and was always encouraging, respectful, and generous with young actors, taking the time to offer guidance and support whenever he could,” he continued, calling Pastore’s loss “deeply personal” for him.
Attermann said he’ll remember Pastore not just for his “remarkable career but also the incredible person he was.”
“I will miss his friendship, his loyalty, his humor, and his heart,” he wrote, offering his condolences to Pastore’s family, friends, colleagues and “countless fans whose lives he touched.”
He noted that the actor “leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his memorable performances” and that he’ll “be greatly missed and never forgotten.”
Pastore starred on “The Sopranos” for the iconic show’s first two seasons. He returned for a recurring role in Season 3 and returned in a guest capacity for the final two seasons.
“The Sopranos,” largely regarded as one of the greatest dramas of all time, aired for six seasons between 1999 and 2007, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout its run.
Pastore joins the growing list of “Sopranos” cast members who have died over the years, including James Gandolfini, Nancy Marchand and Jerry Adler — to name a few.
The post Vincent Pastore mourned by ‘Sopranos’ cast as ‘beloved friend’ and ‘beautiful soul’ after his death appeared first on Page Six.
