Tony Sirico the star of ‘The Sopranos’ died at the age of 79

Tony Sirico, the best-known actor for playing Henchman Peter Paul “Paultier Walnut” Galtieri in The Sopranos on HBO, has died. According to manager Bob McGowan. According to his IMDB profile, he was 79 years old. McGowan did not reveal the cause of death, but called Sirico a 25-year-old “very loyal and long-time customer” and “always donated to charity.”

“The Sopranos” star Tony Sirico died at the Age of 79

Sirico’s “Sopranos” co-star Michael Imperioli also shared the news on Instagram, saying Sirico died on Friday.  “Tony was unique. Furthermore, He was tougher, loyal, and more generous than anyone I’ve ever known,” he writes. “I was by his side, good and bad. But most are good. And we laughed a lot. ”

THE SOPRANOS

Originally from Brooklyn, Sirico earned multiple credits in the late ’80s and ’90s and starred in films such as “Good Fellows,” “Mighty Aphrodite,” and “Mickey Blue Eyes” as well.

But because of Soplanos, he became more prominent, especially in cable homes. There he played colorful and violent Pauly Walnut as needed. During his audition, he remembered in an interview. Moreover, He was 55 years old and was sleeping on his mother’s sofa. He was auditioning for another character, but the creator, David Chase, approached him in another role that turned out to be an icon in itself. “He said, ‘Which do you want the good news or bad news?'” Sirico recalled in an interview in 2021. “I said, ‘Give me the bad news,'” he said, “You didn’t get the junior uncle. But I’m thinking about something. Play a repetitive role in the show. Don’t you? I have a character named Pauly Walnut. ”

After the show was over, Sirico appeared in shows such as Lilyhammer, Grinder, and Family Guy.

‘SOPLANOS’ HIS MOST MEMORABLE WORK

However, “Soplanos” continued to be his most memorable work, thanks in part to the show’s renewed popularity through streaming. “I found a ditch like Christopher and Pauly. I’m proud to have done a lot of the best and most interesting work with my dear fellow Tony,” added Imperioli. “I miss him forever. He is a truly irreplaceable person. I send love to his family, friends, and many, many fans of him. He is loved and never forgotten. Probably. I lost love today. ”

TRUBUTE TO HIM

Similarly, Michael Gandolfini, the son of the late “Sopranos” star James Gandolfini, also pay tribute to Sirico on Instagram.  “Tony Sirico was one of the kindest, most loyal and heartfelt men I’ve ever known,” he writes. Furthermore he says,”He was always Uncle Tony for me, and Tony always appeared for me and my family. I would miss his cheek knob and his infectious laughter deeply. He was an amazing actor and an even better person. ”

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