Tony Sirico has passed away at the age of 79.
News of the legendary actor's passing was confirmed to CBS News by his manager on Friday. No cause of death was provided.
Per BBC News, 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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
Additionally, Edie Falco, who played Tony Soprano's wife Carmela, told Fox News: "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.
