Vincent Pastore, best known for his role as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on "The Sopranos," was surrounded by love just weeks before his death.
He celebrated his 80th birthday with a custom cake and a smile, a moment his longtime friend says perfectly captured the man behind the famous mobster roles.
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In video obtained by TMZ, the late actor is seen enjoying the milestone, even jokingly making his buddy redo the celebratory jingle before blowing out the candle and bursting into laughter.
Sudden Passing
Pastore was found dead Saturday at his Bronx home, as previously reported.
His close friend Stephen Villano, who described himself as Pastore's "right-hand man," said the actor's passing came as a complete shock.
Villano told The Post that Pastore was in good health and had no major signs of illness before his death, which police sources said appeared to be from natural causes.
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The two shared a nearly 30-year friendship, with Villano first working as Pastore's driver before becoming one of his closest confidants.
Villano added, "He was a good man," while remembering his friend, saying "I will miss him a lot."
A Kind Heart
Despite often portraying tough guys and criminals on screen, Villano says Pastore was nothing like the characters fans knew him for.
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Villano explained the real Pastore was generous, compassionate, and deeply connected to his community.
According to Villano, Pastore regularly supported charities, veterans, law enforcement, and families in need, including fundraising efforts for children's causes and holiday events for widows and orphans.
The actor, who previously battled prostate cancer, was also passionate about helping others facing similar struggles.
Villano said Pastore considered his role on "The Sopranos" a life-changing opportunity and remained grateful for the castmates who became like family.
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Friends, neighbors, and fellow performers gathered outside Pastore's Bronx home Saturday night to honor a man remembered not just for his iconic TV role, but for the kindness he showed away from the cameras.
