He went on to appear in films including Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way, Men of Respect, Mickey Blue Eyes, Money Train, Shark Tale, Serving Sara, Riding in Cars with Boys, Spinning Gold and Guy Ritchie’s Revolver.
But it was The Sopranos, which premiered in 1999, that forever cemented his place in television history.
As Big Pussy, Pastore brought humor, toughness and vulnerability to a character caught between loyalty to his closest friends and pressure from the FBI. His fate became one of the series’ most devastating turning points.
Pastore remained active long after The Sopranos ended, appearing in television shows including Law & Order, The Practice, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Yellowjackets and Gravesend. He also became a familiar face on reality television, appearing on Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Family Feud, Dancing With the Stars, Shark Tank and Celebrity Fit Club.
He is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
For fans who spent years watching Tony, Paulie, Silvio, Christopher and Big Pussy navigate the dangerous world of New Jersey organized crime, Vincent Pastore will always be part of that family.
The character may have been Big Pussy.
But to the people who knew him, Vinny was so much more.
Rest in peace, Vincent Pastore. Thank you for the memories. You will never be forgotten.
