Vincent Pastore, the actor who played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's The Sopranos, was found dead in his home on August 1, 2026. He was 80. Born in the Bronx on July 14, 1946, Pastore grew up in New Rochelle and served as a sailor in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before studying drama at Pace University. He worked as a nightclub manager and chauffeur and entered acting after befriending brothers Matt and Kevin Dillon. Pastore had early appearances in Goodfellas and Carlito's Way and built a career playing Italian-American mobsters in film and television, with credits including the HBO movie Gotti, the animated film Shark Tale, and Revolver. In October 2008 he joined General Hospital as mobster Maximus Giambetti, Sr., and he also appeared on One Life to Live. Soap Opera News extended condolences to Pastore's family, friends, and fans.
Key Highlights
Vincent Pastore, famed as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, died August 1, 2026.
Pastore was born July 14, 1946, in the Bronx and served in the U.S. Navy.
He joined General Hospital in October 2008 as mobster Maximus Giambetti, Sr.