THE Sopranos star Vincent Pastore has been found dead at the age of 80.
Cops have launched an investigation into his death, as tributes flood in for the well-loved actor.
Vincent played a number of mobster characters in film and TV in a long and illustrious career.
He was found dead on August 1 in his Bronx home by a neighbour, according to sources.
Vincent had not been heard from in three days before being discovered on Saturday, reports say.
The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.
Pastore’s manager Robert Attermann said in a statement: “I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before The Sopranos made him a household name.
“To the world, he will always be remembered as the unforgettable ‘Big Pussy,’ but to those of us who knew him, he was so much more.”
He added: “Vinny was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. “He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph.”
Vincent’s manager continued saying that Pastore “genuinely appreciated the people who supported him and always made them feel valued.
“He loved being an actor. He was passionate about his craft and was always encouraging, respectful, and generous with young actors, taking the time to offer guidance and support whenever he could.”
Atterman wrote that losing Pastore was “deeply personal.”
“Over more than three decades, I had the honour of watching not only his remarkable career but also the incredible person he was,” he went on. “I will miss his friendship, his loyalty, his humour, and his heart.”
He ended his personal statement by saying: “My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless fans whose lives he touched.
“He leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his memorable performances. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”
Vincent was born in the Bronx, New York City, on July 14, 1946.
He fought in the Vietnam war before going to graduate with a degree in drama from Pace University.
Vincent had a number of small parts in films such as Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect in the 1990s.
He came to wider attention though in The Jerky Boys: The Movie in 1995 and the HBO TV movie Gotti, the following year, where he appeared alongside future Sopranos co-stars Tony Sirico, Frank Vincent, and Dominic Chianese.
Vincent though became a household name in David Chase’s 1999 drama The Sopranos, where he played Big Pussy, Tony Soprano’s, played by James Gandolfini, longtime best friend and mob enforcer turned FBI Informant
His extensive credits also include Mickey Blue Eyes, Shark Tale, Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn and Guy Ritchie’s Revolver.
Vincent also made a number of appearances on reality TV shows, including Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Family Feud, Dancing With the Stars, Shark Tank and Celebrity Fit Club.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee.