Sopranos star Tony Sirico – best known as Paulie Walnuts – died at 79, says co-star Michael Imperioli: ‘He was loved and will never be forgotten’
Tony Sirico, best known for playing Peter Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri on The Sopranos, has died at the age of 79.
His co-star Michael Imperioli revealed the sad news on Friday with an Instagram post showing the pair together.
The 56-year-old actor, who portrayed Christopher Moltisanti on the iconic HBO series, wrote: “It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and accomplice the amazing TONY SIRICO passed away today.
‘He was loved and will never be forgotten’: Tony Sirico – best known for playing Peter Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri on The Sopranos – has died at the age of 79, according to his co-star Michael Imperioli
“Tony was like no other: he was as tough, as loyal and as generous as anyone I have ever known. I’ve been by his side through so much: through good times and bad. But mostly good. And we had a lot to laugh about.
“We found a groove as Christopher and Paulie and I’m proud to say that I’ve done a lot of my best and funniest work with my dear mate Tony. I will miss him forever. He really is irreplaceable. Sending love to his family, friends and his many, many fans. He was loved and will never be forgotten. Heartbroken today. #thesopranos #hbo #tonysirico #pauliewalnuts’