Tony Sirico, best known for his role as “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri on TheSopranos, has died. He was 79.
Sirico passed away Friday at an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., according to his manager of 25 years Bob McGowan.
No cause of death was revealed but Sirico had been suffering from dementia for the past couple years.
A statement from Sirico's family confirmed the death of Gennaro Anthony "Tony" Sirico "with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and a whole lot of fond memories."
Sirico portrayed “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri, a close confidante of James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano, on the HBO series.
Born in New York City on July 29, 1942, Sirico served in the Army before launching his acting career in the 1970s.
Sirico made his acting debut in the 1974 drama Crazy Joe starring Henry Winkler.
Sirico was also known for roles in such films as Goodfellas, Cop Land and Mickey Blue Eyes.
He most recent work includes the film Respect the Jux.
Sirico is survived by daughter Joanne, son Richard and brother Robert.