'Sopranos' Star Tony Sirico Dies at 79

Actor Tony Sirico — best know for his role as Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri in The Sopranos — has died at the age of 79, his family announced Friday.

Michael Imperioli, who shared many scenes with Sirico as Christopher Moltisanti, posted the following remembrance on Instagram:

Sirico and Moltisanti were the lead acts in "Pine Barrens," the most critically acclaimed episode of the series.

Here are some highlights:

During the build of the show's 2021 prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark, cast members raved about working with Sirico. He was a fan favorite among Sopranos viewers, as well.

In the series, Paulie is a loyal soldier to Tony Soprano -- besides trying to change crime families for a few episodes and occasionally bad-mouthing Tony to his nephew. Paulie is also the show's biggest mama's boy.

We look back at a few of his most memorable moments:

 

Sirico also appeared in Goodfellas, Mighty Aphrodite, Gotti, and Mob Queen.

His family did not release any further details regarding his death.