Actor Tony Sirico – best known for his role as Paulie Walnuts in “The Sopranos” – is dead, his brother Robert announced on Facebook on Friday. He was 79.
“It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and many fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony “Tony” Sirico wishes to inform you of his passing on the morning of July 8, 2022,” said the priest wrote along with a photo of Sirico.
Tony leaves behind his two beloved children, Joanne Sirico Bello and Richard Sirico, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and many other relatives.
“The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and condolences and asks the public to respect his privacy during this time of mourning. Commemorative donations may be made in his honor to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude’s Hospital and the Acton Institute.”
His co-star, Michael Imperioli, also posted a reminiscence on Instagram, saying in part: “Tony was like no other: he was as tough, as loyal and as big-hearted as anyone I’ve ever known.”
The Post has reached out to Sirico’s representatives for confirmation.
At 55, Sirico was sleeping on a bed in his mother’s Brooklyn living room when he was cast as Walnuts. He originally auditioned for the part of Uncle Junior – who was to be played by Dominic Chianese.
This is a story in development.