He was 79 years old, according to his IMDB profile.
McGowan did not provide a cause of death, but described Sirico as a 25-year-old “extremely loyal and long-term client” and someone who “always gave to charity.”
A Brooklyn native, Sirico collected several credits in the late ’80s and ’90s, and has appeared in films such as “Goodfellas,” “Mighty Aphrodite,” and “Mickey Blue Eyes.”
But he became known—particularly in homes with cable—through “The Sopranos,” playing the colorful but brutal Paulie Walnuts when necessary.
At the time of the audition, he stated in an interview that he was 55 years old and had been sleeping on his mother’s sofa. He auditioned for a different character, but creator David Chase approached him with a different role, which turned out to be iconic in his own right.
After the show ended, Sirico appeared in shows like “Lilyhammer”, “The Grinder” and “Family Guy”.
But “Sopranos” – thanks in part to the series’ renewed popularity through live broadcasts – remained his most memorable work.
“We’ve found groove like Christopher and Pauli and I’m proud to say I’ve done a lot of the best and most fun work with my dear friend Tony,” Imperioli added. “I will miss him forever. He truly is irreplaceable. He sent love to his family, friends and many fans. He was loved and will never be forgotten. The grief today.”
He wrote, “Tony Sirico was one of the kindest, fiercely loyal, and honest men I’ve ever known.” “He was always my Uncle Tony to me, and Tony was always showing up for me and my family. I will miss his pats on my cheeks, and his infectious laugh. He was a great actor and an even better man.”
. “Certified social media geek. Passionate webaholic. Unapologetic music specialist. Food ninja.”
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