Actor Tony Sirico has reportedly passed away at 79 years old. The accomplished actor is best known for his role as Paulie Walnuts in the HBO series, The Sopranos. After learning of his passing, several of his co-stars took to social media to share their condolences.
“Tony was like no one else: he was as tough, as loyal and as big-hearted as anyone I’ve ever known. I was at his side through so much: through good times and bad. But mostly good. And we had a lot of laughs,” Michael Imperioli stated.
“Tony was the real deal in every sense of the word. He lived many lives, but with full passion in all of them. I met him when I was 16, and he made it clear from day one that he was my forever protector, and he was. I will remember him as a tremendous talent and energy that you could never look away from,” Jamie Lynn Sigler added.
Sirico is best known for his role as Paulie Walnuts, but he enjoyed a career that extends far beyond one hit series. Throughout the years, Sirico appeared in a number of classic films, including Goodfellas, Dead Presidents, Casino and Cop Land. He also played a number of voice roles in popular TV shows, including The Fairly OddParents and American Dad.
At 79 years old, Sirico is survived by his two children, Joanne Sirico Bello and Richard Sirico. He also has several siblings, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
