Tony Sirico has died at the age of 79. The actor is best known for his role as Paulie Walnuts on ‘The Sopranos.’

Actor Tony Sirico (1942-2022), best known for his role as Paulie Walnuts in The Sopranos, has died at the age of 79. His brother Robert announced this via Facebook, as reported by several US media such as the “New York Post” and “TMZ”. “It fills us with great sadness, but also with great pride, love and lots of fond memories that Gennaro Anthony “Tony” Sirico’s family has to inform you of his passing,” the post reads.

As “TMZ” claims to have learned from insiders, Sirico is said to have spent the last years of his life in a retirement home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, due to his poor health.

“He is truly irreplaceable”

Sirico’s “Sopranos” co-star Michael Imperioli (56), who played Christopher Moltisanti in the series, remembers his colleague in an Instagram post. “Tony was like no other: he was tough, loyal and good natured than anyone I’ve ever known […] I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable,” writes the actor.

Silvio Dante actor Steven Van Zandt (71) also addressed touching words to his former companions via Twitter. “A larger than life figure on and off screen. Will miss you dearly my friend. My deepest condolences to his family,” writes the guitarist of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

“There will never be another like you”

Jamie-Lynn Sigler (41), who played soprano in the series Meadow, also says goodbye to Tony Sirico via Instagram. “I loved you so much. […] You were such a phenomenal actor. Stole every scene you were in. You were tough, strong yet sweet and a real artist. There will never be anyone else like you .I’m so lucky to have known you and loved you,” the actress wrote.