Actor Tony Sirico, ‘The Sopranos’ gangster, dead at 79
Los Angeles, United States, Jul 8 (EFE).- Tony Sirico, known for his role as Peter Paul Gualtieri in the series “The Sopranos,” died Friday, the actor’s brother and representative reported on social media. He was 79.
“With great sadness, but with great pride, love and fond memories, the family of Genaro Anthony “Tony” Sirico wishes to inform you of his death on the morning of Jul. 8, 2022,” Robert Sirico, said on Facebook.
Bob McGowan, Sirico’s representative for 25 years, confirmed his death and called him “a very loyal customer” who “always helped those who needed it.”
The cause of death of Tony Sirico (New York, 1942) is not yet known. According to the publication of his brother, he will be buried Wednesday in the Basilica of Regina Pacis (Brooklyn, New York, United States.)
“The family deeply appreciates the many expressions of love, prayers and condolences and asks that the public respect their privacy at this time of mourning,” Robert Sirico added.
Among other roles, Tony Sirico will be remembered for playing mobster Peter Paul Gualtieri, nicknamed “Paulie Walnuts,” in the legendary series “The Sopranos.”
Another of the protagonists of this production, Michael Imperioli, bade his partner and friend farewell Friday on Instagram, referring to him as a “tough, loyal and big-hearted” guy.
“I am proud to say that I did a lot of my best and funniest work with my dear friend Tony. I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable,” Imperioli said.
Sirico, of Italian descent, was born and raised in the New York neighborhood of Bensonhurst, which in the 1950s was deeply linked to and controlled by the Colombo Family criminality.
A childhood that would mark his life and his future as an actor on the small and big screen with productions about the mafia.
In addition to “The Sopranos,” Sirico starred in the drama “Love and Money” (1982), Martin Scorsese’s landmark film “Goodfellas” (1990), the comedy “Mob Queen” (1998), the series “Lilyhammer” ( 2012) and also voiced the dog Vinny in the famous series “Family Guy”. EFE
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