'The Sopranos' star Tony Sirico dies at 79, co-star Michael Imperioli pays tribute to 'partner in crime'
Tony Sirico, famously known for playing the legendary role of henchman Peter Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri on 'The Sopranos', passed away at 79, as confirmed by his brother, Robert on Facebook on Friday, July 8. Sirico worked in other critically acclaimed movies and television shows such as 'GoodFellas', 'Lilyhammer', 'Gotti', 'The Godfather', 'Bullets Over Broadway' and many more. However, his role as Paulie Walnuts in the hit TV show 'The Sopranos' made all the difference and set him apart. So much so that he even won the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for the same. While the cause of his death has not been revealed at this time, it is reported that he died at a Florida assisted living facility. He had been living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the past few years owing to his declining health.
Sirico's brother, Robert, posted on Facebook, "Gennaro Anthony Sirico/July 24, 1942 – July 8, 2022. It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and a whole lot of fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony “Tony” Sirico wishes to inform you of his death on the morning of July 8, 2022. Tony is survived by his two beloved children, Joanne Sirico Bello and Richard Sirico, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and many other relatives. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by his brother Fr Robert Sirico at the Basilica of Regina Pacis (1230 65th Street, Brooklyn, NY) on Wednesday morning, July 13 at 10:30am. The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and condolences and requests that the public respect its privacy in this time of bereavement. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude’s Hospital and the Acton Institute."
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Just like in the reel life, Sirico would often get in trouble with the law in the real life in his early days. Born on July 24, 1942, to an Italian family in NYC, he had real-life ties with the Colombo crime family. The actor was arrested almost 28 times, which all started when he was a 7-year-old lad stealing nickels from a newsstand. 'The Sopranos' star was sent to prison twice, once for armed robbery and the other time for illegal possession of a weapon. Sirico's personal life was never in the limelight, so much so that details about his wife and her name are also not available.
Upon hearing the tragic news of Sirico's passing away, many of his co-stars came forward to remember the star and pay their tributes.
'The Sopranos' co-stars pay tribute to Tony Sirico
Sirico's closest Hollywood friend, Michael Imperioli took to his Instagram to remember his pal and mentor. The duo worked closely on 'The Sopranos' and were a vibrant team. Imperioli wrote, "It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, the great TONY SIRICO has passed away today. 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. We found a groove as Christopher and Paulie and I am proud to say I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear pal Tony. I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable. I send love to his family, friends and his many many fans. He was beloved and will never be forgotten. Heartbroken today. #thesopranos #hbo #tonysirico #pauliewalnuts"
'The Sopranos' co-stars Steven Van Zandt and Jamie Lynn Sigler posted on their social media as well, talking about the late actor. Steven took to his Twitter and said, "RIP Tony Sirico. Legendary. Silvio’s best buddy “Paulie Walnuts” in The Sopranos, Frankie “The Fixer’s” older brother Antonino “Father Tony” Tagliano in Lilyhammer. A larger than life character on and off screen. Gonna miss you a lot my friend. Deepest condolences to the family." Sigler posted on Instagram, "Oh Tony. I’m so heartbroken. I loved you so much. I have never been able to walk into a room that you were in without you giving me an enormous hug, drenching me in your cologne, and making sure I knew any man that came near me would have to answer to you first. You were SUCH a phenomenal actor. Stealing every scene you were in. You were tough, and strong, yet sweet and a real artist. There will never ever be anyone like you. I feel so lucky to have known you and been loved by you. ❤️❤️💔"
RIP Tony Sirico. Legendary. Silvio’s best buddy “Paulie Walnuts” in The Sopranos, Frankie “The Fixer’s” older brother Antonino “Father Tony” Tagliano in Lilyhammer. A larger than life character on and off screen. Gonna miss you a lot my friend. Deepest condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/pAkDnqfLEs
— 🕉Stevie Van Zandt☮️ (@StevieVanZandt) July 8, 2022
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Sirico's co-star Steve Scrippa shared a picture with the late actor on Instagram saying, "Tony Thank You For All The Laughs My Friend Rest In Peace #thesopranos" Lorraine Bracco, another co-star posted, "I adore Tony Sirico. A stand up guy who always had my back and who loved my children and my parents. I have a lifetime of memories with Tony— starting with Goodfellas to The Sopranos and way beyond— but my God, did we have fun doing the Bensonhurst Spelling Bee—I’m still laughing. I hope he’s in heaven cracking everybody up now. Love you, my Pal…rest in peace."