ⓒCourtesy of HBO Documentary, Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple

Vincent Pastore, a native of the Bronx, a performer widely recognized for portraying villains in movies and television, has passed away. He was 80. Today, the veteran actor was discovered dead in his Bronx residence, and the cause of death is under investigation.

Pastore was a limo driver when he met actors Matt and Kevin Dillon who attended a community play where he was performing, they facilitated his entry into the industry.

He had small roles in popular 1990s crime films such as “Goodfellas,” “Carlito’s Way” and “Men of Respect,” as well as “Gotti.”

He truly excelled in Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero’s role on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” The character, Tony Soprano’s (James Gandolfini), longtime best friend and mob enforcer turned FBI Informant.

Pastore went on to plenty of film work including “Mickey Blue Eyes,” “Riding in Cars with Boys,” “Shark Tale,” “Money Train,” “Revolver,” “Deuces Wild,” “Serving Sara,” “Bachelor Party Vegas,” “Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn,” “Spinning Gold” and more.

On TV he appeared on series like “Law & Order,” “The Practice,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “The Last Don II,” “Yellowjackets” and daytime soap “One Life to Live”. He was also appeared some reality television on “Dancing With the Stars,” “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Celebrity Family Feud”.

Pastore is survived by his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.