Vincent Pastore, the actor famed for his role as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's 'The Sopranos,' has died at age 80. His death was reported by Variety, with tributes pouring in from colleagues. Pastore's character was a memorable part of the show's early seasons, culminating in a dramatic death scene in Season 2. Beyond 'The Sopranos,' he built a career playing mobsters in films and TV shows, and also appeared on reality TV.

Actor Vincent Pastore, who is best known for playing Salvatore Bonpensiero on "The Sopranos,' has passed away at the age of 80, reported Variety.

"Vinny was a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always. - Michael Imperioli"

Pastore was a key player on the first two seasons of 'The Sopranos,' and helped deliver one of the mob drama's most iconic moments. In the show, the actor was part of Tony Soprano's (James Galdofini) most trusted inner circle, until he became an informant for the FBI.

In the Season 2 finale, Tony, along with Silvio (Steven Van Zandt) and Paulie (Tony Sirico), makes the difficult decision to kill him off while out on a boat.

His 'Sopranos' co-actor Michael Imperioli expressed his sorrow for the passing of actor Vincent Pastore in a heartfelt Instagram post.

He wrote, "Our beloved friend and collaborator VINCENT PASTORE has passed away. This is a hard one for us, it seems like I've known Vinny forever. We did lots of work together and travelled all over the USA as well as Italy and Australia. Lots of good times. Lots of laughs. Vinny was a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always."

According to Variety, Pastore was cast as a mobster many times throughout his career. He had small parts in early '90s crime dramas like 'Carlito's Way' and 'Goodfellas.'

He saw his stock rise with a pair of roles in the 1995 film 'The Jerky Boys: The Movie' and the 1996 TV movie 'Gotti.'

His other film credits include 'Shark Tale,' 'Mickey Blue Eyes,' 'Witness to the Mob,' 'The Deli,' 'Spinning Gold,' 'Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn,' 'Revolver,' 'This Thing of Ours,' 'Bachelor Party Vegas,' 'A Brooklyn State of Mind' and many others.