Actor Tony Sirico, best known for playing the role of Peter Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” died on 8 July. He was 79 years old. His manager did not mention the cause of his death. But, he called Sirico a loyal and long-term client of 25 years and someone who always donated to charity.
Sirico played the role of Peter Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri on “The Sopranos”
Tony Sirico’s “Sopranos” co-star, Michael Imperioli, also shared the news on his Instagram. In the caption, he wrote, “Tony was like no one else: he was as tough, as loyal, and as big-hearted as anyone I’ve ever known,” Imperioli further added, “I was at his side through so much: through good times and bad. But mostly good. And we had a lot of laughs.” He also added, “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.”
In the late ’80s and ’90s, Sirico appeared in several films such as “Goodfellas,” “Mighty Aphrodite,” and “Mickey Blue Eyes.” Through “Sopranos”, he became a household name by playing the character of Paulie Walnuts.
Michael Gandolfini, the son of late “Sopranos” star James Gandolfini, also posted on Instagram and paid tribute to the late actor. He wrote, “Tony Sirico was one of the kindest, fiercely loyal, and heartfelt men that I’ve ever known,” he wrote. “He was always Uncle Tony to me, and Tony always showed up for me and my family. I’ll deeply miss his pinches on my cheek, and his infectious laugh. He was a phenomenal actor and an even better man.”
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