TV star Tony Sirico, known for his role on The Sopranos, died Friday at the age of 79.
No cause of death has been announced for Sirico, who played Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri, a confidant of main character Tony Soprano on the hit television show from 1999-2007. The family confirmed his death to Fox News.
“It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love, and a whole lot of fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony ‘Tony’ Sirico Jr. wish to inform you of his death on the morning of July 8, 2022,” a family member said. “The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer, and condolences and requests that the public respect its privacy in this time of bereavement.”
Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti on the show, mourned Sirico’s death.
“It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, the great TONY SIRICO has passed away today,” Imperioli said in an Instagram post. “Tony was like no one else: he was as tough, as loyal and as big hearted as anyone i’ve ever known. I was at his side through so much: through good times and bad. But mostly good. And we had a lot of laughs. We found a groove as Christopher and Paulie and I am proud to say I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear pal Tony. I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable. I send love to his family, friends and his many many fans. He was beloved and will never be forgotten. Heartbroken today.”
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Sirico is survived by his two children, Richard and Joanne, and multiple grandchildren.
A memorial will be held at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday, the outlet reported. All donations the family receives will go to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude’s Hospital, and the Acton Institute in Sirico’s honor.
