‘Death usually comes in threes’: The Sopranos Star Tony Sirico Passes Away At 79, Best Known For Playing Paulie Walnuts
Tony Sirico, who was best known for playing Peter Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri in The Sopranos, passed away on July 8, 2022. The actor was 79 and died at an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The cause of death has not been announced but Tony Sirico’s health has been deteriorating for the past several years.
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The actor’s family announced his demise
His family announced his death in an official statement, “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 wishes to inform you of his death on the morning of July 8, 2022”.
Tony Sirico played Paulie Walnuts on The Sopranos
He played the role of Paulie Walnuts on The Sopranos for all six seasons. He was supposed to reprise his role for David Chase’s 2021 prequel movie, The Many Saints of Newark, but his health prevented him from doing so. His character displayed loyalty to boss Tony Soprano and his willingness to take on any and all dirty work for him. The actor knew how to bring authenticity to the role, as he was arrested 28 times and served 20 months at New York’s notorious Sing Sing prison.
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The Sopranos won 21 Emmys during its run
The Sopranos was launched in January 1999 on HBO and ended in 2007. It managed to bag 21 Emmys during its run while Tony Sirico got two SAG Awards for Drama Ensemble and seven total nominations for his work in the series.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place at the Basilica of Regina Pacisat at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13. The family asked for memorial donations to be made in Sirico’s honor to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude’s Hospital, and the Acton Institute.
Source: Deadline
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