Tony Sirico has passed away at the age of 79. News of the legendary actor's passing was confirmed to <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tony-sirico-dies-age-79-famed-sopranos-actor/">CBS News</a> by his manager on Friday. No cause of death was provided. Per <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-62103340">BBC News</a>, Sirico was 55 years old when he was cast on the hit crime drama The Sopranos. At the time he was sleeping on a cot at his mom's New York home, but the role of Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri would lead him to win two Screen Actors Guild Awards. <img class="size-large wp-image-1263161028" src="https://img.vt.co/2022/07/2JG9RNR-681x1024.jpg" alt="" width="681" height="1024" />[[imagecaption|| Credit: MediaPunch Inc / Alamy]] Following the news of Sirico's passing, several of his co-stars have taken to social media to share their memories with the star. Lorraine Bracco, who played Jennifer Melfi on The Sopranos, wrote on Instagram: "I adore Tony Sirico. A stand up guy who always had my back and who loved my children and my parents. "I have a lifetime of memories with Tony— starting with Goodfellas to The Sopranos and way beyond— but my God, did we have fun doing the Bensonhurst Spelling Bee—I’m still laughing. I hope he’s in heaven cracking everybody up now. Love you, my Pal... rest in peace." [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CfxS64LrOdy/]] A heartbroken Michael Imperioli - who played Christopher Moltisanti in the crime drama - also shared a post on Instagram, in which he wrote: "It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, the great TONY SIRICO has passed away today. "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. And we had a lot of laughs. 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. [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CfxLJWSuaYb/]] Imperioli added: "I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable. I send love to his family, friends and his many many fans. He was beloved and will never be forgotten. Heartbroken today." Jamie Lynn Sigler - known for playing Meadow Soprano on the show - also took to the social media platform to share a number of photos with Sirico. She wrote: "I’m so heartbroken. I loved you so much. I have never been able to walk into a room that you were in without you giving me an enormous hug, drenching me in your cologne, and making sure I knew any man that came near me would have to answer to you first. "You were SUCH a phenomenal actor. Stealing every scene you were in. You were tough, and strong, yet sweet and a real artist. There will never ever be anyone like you. I feel so lucky to have known you and been loved by you." [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CfxT9B-FPLK/]] Fellow Sopranos star Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante on the show, wrote on Twitter: "RIP Tony Sirico. Legendary. Silvio’s best buddy 'Paulie Walnuts' in The Sopranos, Frankie 'The Fixer’s' older brother Antonino 'Father Tony' Tagliano in Lilyhammer. A larger than life character on and off screen. Gonna miss you a lot my friend. Deepest condolences to the family." [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/1545556520951336960]] Additionally, Edie Falco, who played Tony Soprano's wife Carmela, told <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/michael-imperioli-lorraine-bracco-tributes-sopranos-tony-sirico" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fox News</a>: "Tony Sirico was an original. There was no one like him; deeply loyal and kind. And so funny. It’s a heartbreaking loss." Our thoughts go out to Sirico's family, friends, and fans at this time. <h6>Featured image credit: MediaPunch Inc / Alamy</h6>

'The Sopranos' star Tony Sirico has died aged 79, co-stars pay tribute

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