The Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore dies aged 80

US actor Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the acclaimed crime drama The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80, according to several US media outlets.

Pastore rose to prominence as Tony Soprano’s close friend who later became an FBI informant. His character’s death in the second season remains one of the most memorable moments in the series.

Born in the Bronx in 1946, Pastore served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War before pursuing a career in acting.

His early film credits included roles in Goodfellas and Carlito’s Way. He also appeared in television series including Law & Order, General Hospital and Hawaii Five-0.

However, it was his role in The Sopranos that brought him international recognition. Although his character was killed off in the second season, Pastore continued to appear in later episodes through flashbacks and dream sequences.

In 2000, Pastore and his fellow cast members won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for their performances in the landmark HBO series.