RIP Tony Sirico
Tony Sirico, who famously portrayed Paulie Walnuts in the seminal show The Sopranos, passed away yesterday aged 79.
Paulie was always one of the most beloved characters on the show, and had some of its most memorable lines. He was often used for comic-relief, and was a constant pain for his boss Tony Soprano.
One of the most memorable aspects of the Sopranos was Paulie's relationship with Chrissy, portrayed by Michael Imperioli, and their relationship was shown at its best in the legendary 'Pine Barrens' episode.
The main cast of the Sopranos have all taken to social media to pay their respects to Tony Sirico, who was clearly just as a beloved as a man as he was as Paulie Walnuts.
Michael Imperioli took to Instagram to pay his dues to a man who he describes as his 'partner in crime'.
Edie Falco, who portrayed Carmela Soprano, spoke to Rolling Stone about Tony Sirico.
“He was beloved and will never be forgotten.Tony Sirico was an original. There was no one like him; deeply loyal and kind. And so funny. It’s a heartbreaking loss.”
Lorraine Bracco, who played Dr. Melfi, also took to Instagram to pay her respects.
"I adore Tony Sirico. A stand up guy who always had my back and who loved my children and my parents. I have a lifetime of memories with Tony— starting with Goodfellas to The Sopranos and way beyond— but my God, did we have fun doing the Bensonhurst Spelling Bee—I’m still laughing. I hope he’s in heaven cracking everybody up now. Love you, my Pal…rest in peace."
Perhaps the most touching and heartfelt response to death of Tony Sirico was that of Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played the part of Meadow Soprano. She wrote beautiful words on Instagram for a man she saw as a father figure and a protector.
Steve Van Zandt of Silvio Dante and E-Street Band fame tweeted a photo of himself and Tony Sirico, along with a touching note of condolence.
Steve Schirripa, who portrayed Bobby Baccalieri, posted a wonderful photo of himself and Tony Sirico from their time on the Sesame Street show.
RIP Tony Sirico. Legendary. Silvio’s best buddy “Paulie Walnuts” in The Sopranos, Frankie “The Fixer’s” older brother Antonino “Father Tony” Tagliano in Lilyhammer. A larger than life character on and off screen. Gonna miss you a lot my friend. Deepest condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/pAkDnqfLEs
— 🕉Stevie Van Zandt☮️ (@StevieVanZandt) July 8, 2022
Not only was Tony Sirico a Sopranos actor, but he had many memorable gangster roles in films such as Goodfellas, Gotti (the HBO one), and featured in numerous Woody Allen films.
His passing follows the recent deaths of other gangster film legends Ray Liotta and James Caan.
SEE ALSO: Steven Van Zandt Story Shows The Amazing Generosity Of James Gandolfini
