Sopranos star Joseph Siravo dies aged 64 following cancer battle

Joseph Siravo, best known for playing Giovanni Francis ‘Johnny’ Soprano in The Sopranos, has died aged 64 following a reported battle with cancer.

The news was confirmed by his daughter Allegra Okarmus on social media, with former castmates paying tribute to the actor.

Siravo starred in the iconic series from 1999 and appeared in flashback scenes over five episodes that portrayed main character Tony’s strained relationship with his parents.

He was also known for portraying Fred Goldman, father of the murdered waiter Ronald Goldman, in 2016’s The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, as well as real life mobster John Gotti in The Wannabe.

Daughter Allegra shared a tribute to Siravo, alongside a series of images to Instagram on Sunday, saying she was with her dad when he died.

She wrote: ‘I was by his side when my dear father passed away this morning, peacefully, in his beloved Treehouse.

‘We are both so lucky to be so intensely loved. I am so immensely grateful to have had him here on earth and I know that he hasn’t gone very far. He hadmany credits, but his favourite one by far was that of Nonno Joe.’

Tributes came in from people who worked with Siravo, with Garry Pastore, who also appeared in The Sopranos in 2004, sharing a photo of Siravo from his Instagram page.

He wrote: ‘RIP my dear friend, who fought an incredible fight. I will miss you. See you on the other side.’

He is reported to have added: ‘He was a true gent to boot and as you well know hard to find that mutual bond and sincerity.

‘Acting has always been a passion and finding true friends that lift you up and support was often difficult.

‘Myself, Joe, Michael Rispoli [who played Jackie Aprile Sr.} and Jimmy Gandolfini [Tony Soprano] always supported each other even when up for the same roles, it’s how we rolled.’

Lillo Brancato Jr, who played young mobster Matthew Bevilaqua on the series, wrote: ‘Oh wow RIP.’

Fellow Sopranos star Maureen Van Zandt shared a photo of Siravo on Twitter and wrote: ‘Just heard Joe passed away.

‘A talented and lovely man. A perfect Johnny Boy Soprano. Took this at the workshop of Piece of My Heart, [Broadway] show about Bert Berns. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.’

The Sopranos starred the late James Gandolfini as lead Tony Soprano, running six seasons on HBO from 1999 to 2007.