Tony Sirico, beloved 'Sopranos' star forever known as Paulie Walnuts, has died at 79

Tony Sirico, the longtime actor best known for his role as Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri on "The Sopranos," has died aged 79. The news was shared by his brother, Fr. Robert Sirico, the

"It is with great sadness, but incredible pride, love and many fond memories that the family of Gennaro Anthony 'Tony' Sirico would like to inform you of his passing on the morning of July 8, 2022,” he wrote. "The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and condolences and asks the public to respect their privacy during this time of grief. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Wounded Warriors, at the St. Jude's Hospital and Acton Institute."

Born in New York in 1942, Sirico often got into trouble with the law as a young man, but turned to show business after a comedy troupe visited him in prison. His first screen appearance came as an extra in the 1974 film "Crazy Joe".
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Over the next few decades, he found steady work as a character actor specializing in mob roles. He frequently worked with Woody Allen, appearing in such films as 'Bullets Over Broadway', 'Mighty Aphrodite', 'Everyone Says I Love You', 'Deconstructing Harry', 'Cafe Society' and 'Wonder Wheel'.
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In 1990, along with many of the greatest Italian-American actors of his generation, Sirico appeared in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas. His role as Tony Stacks was his highest-profile role to date, but his on-screen gangster career was just beginning.

In 1999, Sirico was cast in "The Sopranos," the groundbreaking HBO series that changed television forever. Sirico originally auditioned for the role of Tony's Uncle Junior, but when that role went to Dominic Chianese, he was cast as Paulie. His performance as Tony Soprano's dimwitted but endlessly loyal Mafia lieutenant quickly made him a fan favorite. He remained with the series throughout its run on HBO, appearing in iconic episodes such as "Pine Barrens", which many consider a highlight of the series.

Sirico is survived by his two children, Joanne Sirico and Richard, and several "grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and many other relatives", according to his family.

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Tony Sirico, beloved 'Sopranos' star forever known as Paulie Walnuts, has died at 79

Tony Sirico, the longtime actor best known for his role as Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri on "The Sopranos," has died aged 79. The news was shared by his brother, Fr. Robert Sirico, the

"It is with great sadness, but incredible pride, love and many fond memories that the family of Gennaro Anthony 'Tony' Sirico would like to inform you of his passing on the morning of July 8, 2022,” he wrote. "The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and condolences and asks the public to respect their privacy during this time of grief. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Wounded Warriors, at the St. Jude's Hospital and Acton Institute."

Born in New York in 1942, Sirico often got into trouble with the law as a young man, but turned to show business after a comedy troupe visited him in prison. His first screen appearance came as an extra in the 1974 film "Crazy Joe".

Related Related

Over the next few decades, he found steady work as a character actor specializing in mob roles. He frequently worked with Woody Allen, appearing in such films as 'Bullets Over Broadway', 'Mighty Aphrodite', 'Everyone Says I Love You', 'Deconstructing Harry', 'Cafe Society' and 'Wonder Wheel'.

In 1990, along with many of the greatest Italian-American actors of his generation, Sirico appeared in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas. His role as Tony Stacks was his highest-profile role to date, but his on-screen gangster career was just beginning.

In 1999, Sirico was cast in "The Sopranos," the groundbreaking HBO series that changed television forever. Sirico originally auditioned for the role of Tony's Uncle Junior, but when that role went to Dominic Chianese, he was cast as Paulie. His performance as Tony Soprano's dimwitted but endlessly loyal Mafia lieutenant quickly made him a fan favorite. He remained with the series throughout its run on HBO, appearing in iconic episodes such as "Pine Barrens", which many consider a highlight of the series.

Sirico is survived by his two children, Joanne Sirico and Richard, and several "grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and many other relatives", according to his family.