Tony Sirico, best known for playing Tony’s hilarious foot soldier Paulie Walnuts on The Sopranos, passed away at age 79. Many of his former co-stars came together to honor his legacy and look back at his life and illustrious career.
Sirico died at an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, only three weeks before his 80th birthday. His family didn’t release an official cause of death, but it’s known that Sirico was diagnosed with dementia years before passing away.
The actor’s family announced his death on the morning of July 8, “with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and a whole lot of fond memories”, adding they’re “deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and condolences, and requests that the public respect its privacy in this time of bereavement.”
Many of Sirico’s on The Sopranos colleagues released statements following his death, including the series creator David Chase, who described him as “a jewel – supernatural and a master.” Michael Imperioli, who shared many iconic scenes with Sirico, called him “truly irreplaceable” and “as tough, as loyal and as big-hearted as anyone [he’s] ever known”.
Sirico will forever be remembered as Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri, but the list of his credits also includes films Goodfellas, Romeo Is Bleeding, and roles in multiple Woody Allen films, including his recent projects Café Society and Wonder Wheel.
