Tony Sirico is best known for his role as “Polly Walnuts” Gualtieri The the sopranos, died He is 79 years old.
Sirico died Friday at an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., according to Bob McGowan, her manager of 25 years. No cause of death has been released but Sirico had been suffering from dementia for the past two years.
“He was not only a loyal customer, but he was a good friend,” McGowan said The Hollywood Reporter.
Chirico portrayed “Polly Walnuts” Gualtieri, a close confidant of James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano, in the HBO series.
His The Sopranos Co-star Michael Imperioli paid tribute to Chirico Instagram writes, “It saddens me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, Tony Sirico, passed away today. Tony was like no other: he was as tough, loyal and big-hearted as anyone I’ve ever known.
He continued, “I have been by his side many times: in good times and in bad. But mostly good. We laughed a lot. As Christopher and Polly we found a groove and I’m proud to say I did some of my best and most fun work with my dear friend Tony. I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable. I send love to his family, friends and his many fans. He was loved and never forgotten. Heartbroken today.”
Born in New York City on July 29, 1942, Chirico served in the military before beginning his acting career in the 1970s. Chirico made his acting debut in 1974 Crazy Joe Starring Henry Winkler.
Chirico is known for acting in films like Goodfellas, Kap land And Mickey Blue Eyes. Appearing in the director’s films, he often collaborated with Woody Allen Bullets on Broadway, Mighty Aphrodite, Everyone says I love you, Rebuilding Harry, Popularity And Wonder Wheel.
His TV work included a voice role in five episodes Family guy Winnie Griffin, who was temporarily the family dog. Sirio came back again and again on Netflix Lillihammer And as a voice American Father! Other TV roles include: Miami Vice, Chak, Medium, Taxi Brooklyn And Grinder.
His recent works include the film Respect Jugs.
The Sopranos Creator David Chase paid tribute to Sirico, saying, “Tony was a jewel. The way Buddhists refer to a jewel – supernatural and a master. But certainly not a Zen master. He was so riotous, so funny, so talented. How talented he was in his 50s and mid-60s and I’m so glad he’s finally learned to love.I was thinking about him weirdly yesterday and reminded him that he’s a big part of the success. The Sopranos. I miss him so much, Gennaro. What the world would be like.”
Chirico was remembered by his co-stars Lorraine Bracco and Stevie Van Zandt. The Sopranos And Goodfellas Star Bracco tweeted, “A stand up guy who always had my back and loved my kids and my parents. I have a lifetime of memories with Tony – all the way from Goodfellas to The Sopranos and beyond, but my god, we had so much fun watching the Bensonhurst Spelling Bee. I hope he is in heaven now. Love you, my friend.” Bracco starred alongside Chirico in a Funny or Die short Bensonhurst Spelling Bee.
of Chirico Lillihammer Co-star Zandt wrote, “RIP Tony Sirico. Legendary. Silvio’s best friend ‘Polly Walnuts’ in The Sopranos, Antonino ‘Father Tony’ Tagliano, older brother of Frankie ‘The Fixer’ in Lillihammer. A larger-than-life character on and off screen. I will miss you so much my friend. Deepest condolences to the family.”
Meanwhile, HBO has dubbed Chirico “a A huge, one-of-a-kind talent. “In The Sopranos, her famous performance as the irrepressible Polly Walnuts cemented her as an icon. He will be greatly missed by the HBO family,” a Report shared read HBO’s official Twitter account.
Sirico is survived by daughter Joan, son Richard and brother Robert.
July 8, 9:18 p.m Updated with Chase’s report.
“Total coffee junkie. Tv ninja. Unapologetic problem solver. Beer expert.”