Vincent Pastore, 'Sopranos' star, dies at 80

Vincent Pastore, a veteran actor best known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's "The Sopranos," has died at age 80. He was found dead in his home on City Island in the Bronx on Saturday after not being heard from for several days.

A neighbor discovered Pastore's body in his residence on Saturday afternoon. The Fire Department of New York received a call about an unresponsive male around 2:30 p.m. local time. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene. Police sources said the actor died of natural causes, and authorities found no indication of criminality.

Pastore's manager, Robert Attermann, confirmed the death in a statement Saturday. "I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before 'The Sopranos' made him a household name," Attermann said. "To the world, he will always be remembered as the unforgettable 'Big Pussy,' but to those of us who knew him, he was so much more."

On "The Sopranos," which aired from 1999 to 2007, Pastore played Salvatore Bonpensiero, the best friend of mob boss Tony Soprano who becomes an FBI informant. His character was killed in season two after being revealed as an informant, but Pastore returned for several guest appearances in later seasons. He appeared in 30 episodes across the show's six seasons.

Born in the Bronx on July 14, 1946, Pastore served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. After his discharge, he enrolled at Pace University, where he earned a degree in drama. He began his acting career at age 42 after spending two decades running nightclubs around New York.

Pastore appeared in more than 150 film and television projects over four decades. His film credits included "Goodfellas" and "Awakenings," both released in 1990, as well as "Carlito's Way," "Men of Respect," "Witness to the Mob," "Gotti," "Riding in Cars with Boys," "Deuces Wild," "Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn," and "Money Train." He was a frequent guest star on "Law & Order" and made appearances on other television programs.

Bob McGowan, who managed Pastore since his run on "The Sopranos," learned of his death Saturday from Vincent Curatola, another actor and client from the show. McGowan said he had been trying to reach Pastore about a possible job. "He was the most loyal client and he always gave to charity," McGowan said. "He was the kind of guy who would help anybody, which is rare in my business."

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.