PAULIE WALNUTS ACTOR TONY IS DEAD, AGED 79

News of 79 year-old Tony Sirico’s (pictured centre) death has stunned fans of The Sopranos.

It was shared by his co-star, Michael Imperioli, who said “I will miss him forever.”

Sirico died at an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, his manager Bob McGowen said. There was no information on the cause of death.

A statement from Sirico’s family confirmed the death of Gennaro Anthony “Tony” Sirico “with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and a whole lot of fond memories.”

Michael Imperioli, who played young mobster Christopher Moltisanti in the TV series, wrote on social media. “He was beloved and will never be forgotten.”

Edie Falco who played Tony Soprano’s long-suffering wife Carmela, said; “Tony Sirico was an original,There was no one like him; deeply loyal and kind. And so funny. It’s a heartbreaking loss.”

Born on July 29, 1942, Tony Sirico grew up in Brooklyn and described himself as “rough-and-tumble kid,” He loved James Cagney films and was drawn to the gangsters he saw around the Brooklyn streets.. “They’re all dressed, slicked back, they got cars, they got girls, very enticing,” he said of them. “I got close to making a huge mistake… I almost got too close to becoming one of those guys I portray.”

Before embarking upon his acting career, he was arrested 28 times and went to prison twice.

Sirico was inspired to pursue acting in the early Seventies while in prison after attending a performance by an acting troupe comprised of ex-criminals. After a series of bit parts, he got roles in major films including Goodfellas, Mighty Aphrodite, The Pick-up Artist and Casino.

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