A painful goodbye. Tony Sirico, who was known for playing Paulie Walnuts on The Sopranos, has died at the age of 79.
“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,” the actor’s family told Deadline in a statement on Friday, July 8. A cause of death was not immediately revealed.
Siroco’s former Sopranos costar Michael Imperioli also confirmed the news via Instagram, writing: “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.”
The White Lotus star, 56, added that the duo “found a groove” working together during their time on The Sopranos, which ran on HBO from 1999 to 2007. “I am proud to say I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear pal Tony,” he continued. “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.”
This story is developing.