Tony Sirico died yesterday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and former colleagues – and especially from The Sopranos, where he played mobster Paulie Walnuts for all six seasons of the HBO show. The mourners in question today include series creator David Chase, who (according to THR ) released a statement today acknowledging what Sirico — who spent years in and out of prison before turning to acting — brought to the piece of the idiosyncratic, often hilarious Paulie: Tony was a gem. The way Buddhists refer to a jewel – supernatural and master. But certainly not a Zen master. He was so boisterous, so funny, so talented. I’m so happy for him that in his 50’s and 60’s he finally learned how talented and loved he was. I was thinking about him just yesterday, oddly enough, and he reminded me that he was the main reason for the success of The Sopranos. I will miss you so much, Gennaro. As does the world. Meanwhile, Lorraine Braco – who also appeared alongside Sirico in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas – tweeted: ‘A straight guy who always had my back and who loved my kids and my parents. I have a lifetime of memories with Tony – starting with Goodfellas to The Sopranos and beyond, but my God, we had fun doing the Bensonhurst Spelling Bee. I hope he is in heaven and cracking everyone up now. I love you, my friend.” And see also Steve Van Zandt, who wrote “RIP Tony Sirico. Legendary. Best friend of Silvio “Paulie Walnuts” on The Sopranos, Frankie “The Fixer’s” older brother Antonino ” Father Tony” Tagliano in Lilyhammer. A larger than life character on and off screen. You will be greatly missed my friend. My condolences to the family.” That, in addition to a message yesterday from Sirico’s frequent Sopranos stage partner Michael Imperioli, who helped spread the news of his death and wrote of his own grief: “I’m proud to say I did a lot of the best and more fun jobs with my dear friend Tony. I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable.” In addition to those who worked with him, fans continued to make their own tributes as well, sharing their favorite Paulie Walnuts quotes and repeating many of the colorful anecdotes that surrounded Sirico—including an oft-repeated story that was the primary premise for accept The role of Paulie was that the writers of the series never make him a rat. And, of course, many people have reposted one of the sweetest, weirdest moments of Sirico’s career: When he and Steve Schirripa appeared on Sesame Street, briefly taking on the roles of Bert and Ernie. Sesame Street: The Bert and Ernie Christmas Special with Tony Sirico and Steve Schirripa
