Tony Sirico, widely loved for his character, Paulie Walnuts, on the HBO hit show The Sopranos, dies at 79.
Sirico passed away in an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Manager Bob McGowan confirmed his death; at this time, no cause is given.
A statement was given from Sirico’s family regarding the death, “with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love, and a whole lot of fond memories.”
Tony Sirico’s brother, Robert, announced the news of this death on Facebook Friday, July 8, 2022.
“It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and a whole lot of fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony “Tony” Sirico wishes to inform you of his death on the morning of July 8, 2022.”
Tony Sirico was born in New York, New York, in 1942 and had a very successful acting career beyond his work on HBO, including numerous appearances in Woody Allen movies.
Sirico used his Italian heritage well, making a name for himself as a mobster/gangster in many films and TV shows. Some titles he stared in include Goodfellas, Mob Queen, Mighty Aphrodite, The One Man Jury, and many more.
‘The Sopranos’ cast members have been taking to social media all morning, recollecting fond memories and saying their grievances about losing such a phenomenal actor and friend.
Michael Imperioli, who plays Christopher Moltistanti, says in his Instagram post:
“Tony was like no one else: he was as tough, as loyal, and as big-hearted as anyone I’ve ever known.”
Fellow mobster cast member Steven Van Zandt, who portrays Silvio Dante, states on Twitter:
“A larger than life character on and off screen. Gonna miss you a lot my friend. Deepest condolences to the family.”
Robert Sirico’s posting asked that memorial donations be made in his honor to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude’s Hospital and the Acton Institute.
RIP.
