Sirico died Friday at an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to his manager of 25 years, Bob McGowan. The cause of death was not released, but Sirico had been suffering from dementia for the past two years. “Not only was he a loyal customer, he was a good friend,” McGowan told The Hollywood Reporter. Sirico played “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri, a close confidante of James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano, on the HBO series. His Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli paid tribute to Sirico on Instagram, writing: “It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, the great TONY SIRICO passed away today. Tony was like no other: he was as tough, loyal and as big-hearted as anyone I’ve ever met.” He continued, “I’ve been there for him through so much: in good times and in bad. But mostly good. And we laughed a lot. We found a groove as Christopher and Paulie and I’m proud to say that I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear friend Tony. I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable. I send love to his family, friends and many fans. He was loved and will never be forgotten. Devastated today.” Born in New York City on July 29, 1942, Sirico served in the Army before beginning his acting career in the 1970s. Sirico made his acting debut in the 1974 drama Crazy Joe starring Henry Winkler. Sirico was also known for roles in films such as Goodfellas, Cop Land and Mickey Blue Eyes. He often collaborated with Woody Allen, appearing in the director’s films Bullets Over Broadway, Mighty Aphrodite, Everyone Says I Love You, Deconstructing Harry, Celebrity and Wonder Wheel. Among his television work was a voice role in five episodes of Family Guy as Vinny Griffin, who was temporarily the family dog. Sirico also recurred on Netflix’s Lilyhammer and as the voice of American Dad! Other television roles include Miami Vice, Chuck, Medium, Taxi Brooklyn and The Grindr. His most recent work includes the film Respect the Jux. Sopranos creator David Chase paid tribute to Sirico in a statement that read: “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. Like the world.” Sirico was also remembered by his co-stars Lorraine Bracco and Stevie Van Zandt. The Sopranos and Goodfellas star Bracco wrote on Twitter: “A stand up 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.” Bracco also starred opposite Sirico in a Funny or Die short The Bensonhurst Spelling Bee. Sirico’s Lilyhammer co-star Zandt wrote: “RIP Tony Sirico. Mythical. Best friend of Silvio “Paulie Walnuts” on The Sopranos, older brother of Frankie “The Fixer” Antonino “Father Tony” Tagliano on Lilyhammer. A larger than life character on and off screen. I will miss you dearly my friend. My deepest condolences to the family.” Meanwhile, HBO described Sirico as “a tremendous, unique talent. “On The Sopranos, his legendary performance as the unwavering Paulie Walnuts cemented him as an icon, beloved for his pathos and unwavering devotion. He will be greatly missed by the HBO family,” said a statement shared on HBO’s official Twitter account. Sirico is survived by daughter Joanne, son Richard and brother Robert. July 8, 9:18 pm Updated with Chase’s statement.
