Tony Sirico, known for playing Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri on Os Sopranos, morreu. Ele era 79.
Sirico died Friday; his cause of death is not known.
His brother, Robert Sirico, announced the news of his death in a o Facebook post Friday. “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.”
Ele adicionou, “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.”
His manager Bob McGowan tells PEOPLE in a statement, “He was a very loyal client of 25 anos. He always supported charities. He was an ex army vet and member of the wounded warriors.”
Known for his role as Paulie ‘Walnuts’ Gualtieri in the long-running HBO crime drama, Sirico was recognized by his Sopranos costar Michael Imperioli in a touching tribute on Instagram.
“It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, the great TONY SIRICO has passed away today,” ele escreveu alongside a photo of him and Sirico. “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.”
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Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, remembered sharing “a lot of laughs” with Sirico, adicionando, “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.”
Imperioli went on to say he “will miss” Sirico “para sempre,” calling him “truly irreplaceable.”
“I send love to his family, friends and his many many fans. He was beloved and will never be forgotten. Heartbroken today. #thesopranos #hbo #tonysirico #pauliewalnuts,” he conluded.
Sopranos actress Lorraine Bracco also shared heartfelt words about Sirico, along with sweet photos of them together.
“I adore Tony Sirico,” ela tweetou. “A stand up guy who always had my back and who loved my children and my parents.”
Reflecting on her “lifetime of memories with Tony” a partir de Bons companheiros para Sopranos “and way beyond,” Bracco shared one moment with Sirico that she’s especially fond of.
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“Meu Deus, did we have fun doing the Bensonhurt Spelling Bee (I’m still laughing). I hope he’s in heaven cracking everybody up now. Vos amo, my Pal… rest in peace.”
Sirico is survived by his two children, Joanne Sirico Bello and Richard Sirico, netos, irmãos, nieces, nephews and other relatives, according to his brother.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by his brother, Fr. Robert Sirico, at the Basilica of Regina Pacis on July 13.