The cast of The Sopranos has paid tribute to Tony Sirico, who played the menacing, loyal Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri in the classic HBO series. The actor died today at 79.
Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, called him “truly irreplaceable.”
Imperioli and Sirico starred starred together in one of the most critically acclaimed episodes of the gangster drama – “Pine Barrens” – when their characters get lost in the freezing snow in the woods, trying to chase down a Russian mobster who they thought they’d already killed.
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Sirico’s death was announced earlier today, just a couple of weeks before the actor was to celebrate his 80th birthday.
“It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, the great Tony Sirico has passed away today,” Imperioli said. “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. 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.”
The Sopranos creator David Chase called Sirico a “jewel”. “The way Buddhists refer to a jewel – supernatural and a master. But certainly not a Zen master. He was so uproarious, so funny, so talented. I’m very happy for him that in his mid-fifties and sixties he finally learned how talented and loved he was. I was just thinking about him yesterday, strangely enough, and was reminded that he was a main reason for the success of The Sopranos. I will miss him greatly, Gennaro. As will the world,” he said.
Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante, Paulie Walnuts’ best friend on The Sopranos and also starred with him in Netflix’s Lillyhammer, called Sirico “legendary.” “A larger-than-life character on and off screen,” he said. “Gonna miss you a lot my friend. Deepest condolences to the family.”
Lorraine Bracco, who played Jennifer Melfi, Tony Soprano’s psychiatrist on the show, also starred with Sirico in Goodfellas and Funny or Die short The Bensonhurst Spelling Bee.
She said she “adored” him. “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 hope he’s in heaven cracking everybody up now. Love you, my pal,” she said.
Jamie Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, called Sirico the “real deal”. “Tony was the real deal in every sense of the word. He lived many lives, but with full passion in all of them. I met him when I was 16, and he made it clear from day one that he was my forever protector, and he was. I will remember him as a tremendous talent and energy that you could never look away from. I’m so lucky to have known him. My thoughts and prayers to all that were lucky enough to be loved by him.”
Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby Baccalieri on the show, called Sirico “one of a kind in all the best ways! A truly loyal friend with a gift for making people laugh, especially me. If you were lucky enough to be his friend you were guaranteed a good time whenever you were around him. He will be missed. Rest In Peace pal!!!”