Overview
- Friends and neighbors discovered Pastore unresponsive in his Bronx residence and his death was confirmed after that discovery on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
- Authorities and the medical examiner have not released a cause of death and police say they are examining the circumstances.
- Pastore rose to wide recognition for his role as Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos and built a long career in film, television, reality shows and radio after beginning acting in his 40s.
- Former co‑stars and colleagues publicly mourned him, praising his generosity and calling him a beloved member of the Sopranos family.
- He is survived by a daughter and funeral plans have not been announced, while his performance on The Sopranos remains a widely cited element of the series’ cultural legacy.