‘The Sopranos’ favorite Vincent Pastore dies suddenly at 80

A familiar face from one of television’s most unforgettable crime dramas is gone.

Vincent Pastore, the veteran actor who became a household name as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80.

Pastore was found dead Saturday, Aug. 1, at his Bronx home, according to reports. His death is believed to have been from natural causes and is not being investigated by the medical examiner.

For millions of The Sopranos fans, Pastore wasn’t simply another actor from the legendary series. As Big Pussy, he was Tony Soprano’s longtime friend, confidant and mob enforcer — a character whose tragic betrayal and eventual murder became one of the show’s most unforgettable moments.