Sopranos actor Tony Sirico dies aged 79

Tony Sirico, an actor best known for his role on The Sopranos as a mafia henchman, has passed away at the age of 79.

Sopranos actor Tony Sirico dies aged 79

Tony Sirico, an actor best known for his role on The Sopranos as a mafia henchman, has passed away at the age of 79.

He is remembered for portraying Paulie "Walnuts", a fictional mobster who played a crucial role in an organized crime ring in New Jersey.

Michael Imperioli (co-star in the role of Christopher Moltisanti) led tributes to him.

He said, "Tony was unlike anyone else: he wasn't as tough, loyal, and as big-hearted as any person I've ever met,"

Imperioli posted on Instagram that the actors had "found a groove like Christopher and Paulie".

"I'm proud to say that I shared a lot of my best work and most enjoyable times with Tony, my dear friend. He will be missed forever. He is truly irreplaceable."

Sirico was 55 years of age and was sleeping on a Brooklyn cot when he was cast as the iconic role that would earn him two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

He portrayed gangsters in over a dozen mob movies, including Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas.

Father Anthony Sirico, his brother, shared on Facebook that he was survived by his children, grandchildren, and "many other relatives".

Sirico was born in Brooklyn. He was held 28 times and spent two years in prison.

In 1990, he spoke to the LA Times and said that "Wherever I grew up, all men were trying to prove themselves." Either you had to get a tattoo or you had to have bullet holes.

James Caan, actor, died Thursday. He was quoted as saying that he had been able "to romanticise his history, throw in some bangles, and sparkles, and use it to his advantage as an actor."

"What you see is actually him. He just adds some pepper and cayenne to spice it up.

His manager Bob McGowan described him as a "great, loyal client" on Friday. He would do anything for people in need.