The Sopranos' Paulie Walnuts dead at 79

The Sopranos; Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 7/8/22; Seth Auberon (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

Tony, also deceased, had a hard time being boss

Sopranos actor Tony Sirico, known for role as [Mafia hitman] Paulie Walnuts, is dead at 79.

Playing Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri on the Emmy-winning HBO series The Sopranos, died Friday at 79. 

Sirico's manager Bob McGowan confirmed the death to USA TODAY, saying in a statement that Sirico “was a great and loyal client; he would help anyone in need," adding that he was a "big contributor to the wounded warriors and other charities."

Actor Tony Sirico plays Paulie Walnuts

"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" Friday morning, Sirico's brother posted on Facebook.

"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."

Fellow Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, took to Instagram to express his sentiments over the loss of his friend and former colleague. "Tony was like no one else: he was..." More