The Sopranos cast lead tributes to ‘irreplaceable’ Tony Sirico following actor’s death aged 79-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Tributes have been paid to ‘irreplacable’ Sopranos star Tony Sirico, who died on Friday aged 79 (Picture: Getty/REX/HBO)

The cast of the Sopranos have led tributes to actor Tony Sirico, who has died at the age of 79.

Sirico has been described as ‘truly irreplaceable,’ with co-stars, family and fans in mourning since his death on Friday at an assisted living facility in Florida.

Leading the tributes was co-star Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher in the Sopranos.

He said Sirico ‘was like no one else.’

The actor ‘was as tough, as loyal and as big hearted as anyone i’ve ever known. I was at his side through so much: through good times and bad. But mostly good.

‘And we had a lot of laughs. We found a groove as Christopher and Paulie and I am proud to say I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear pal Tony.’

Michael Imperioli said he would ‘miss him forever’ (Picture: Invision )

He went on: ‘I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable. I send love to his family, friends and his many many fans.

‘He was beloved and will never be forgotten. Heartbroken today.’

Lorraine Brao, who played Dr Melfi, shared photographs of her and Sirico in happier times and said she had a lifetime of memories’ with the actor.’

‘I adore Tony Sirico,’ he wrote.

‘A stand up guy who always had my back and who loved my children and my parents. I have a lifetime of memories with Tony— starting with Goodfellas to The Sopranos and way beyond— but my God, did we have fun doing the Bensonhurst Spelling Bee—I’m still laughing.

‘I hope he’s in heaven cracking everybody up now. Love you, my Pal…rest in peace.’

Sirico was beloved by his co-stars, many of whom have paid tribute since thenews of his death (picture: Getty)

Co-star Stevie Van Zandt, who played Walsnuts’ partner in crime, took to Twitter where he said he would miss the ‘larger than life’ character.

‘RIP Tony Sirico. Legendary,’ he wrote.

‘A larger than life character on and off screen. Gonna miss you a lot my friend. Deepest condolences to the family.’

Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, said Sirico was ‘tough and strong, yet sweet and a real artist’ and that she was ‘lucky to have known’ him.

‘Oh Tony. I’m so heartbroken. I loved you so much,’ she wrote on Instagram.

‘I have never been able to walk into a room that you were in without you giving me an enormous hug, drenching me in your cologne, and making sure I knew any man that came near me would have to answer to you first.

‘You were SUCH a phenomenal actor. Stealing every scene you were in.

Like the late James Gandolfini, Sirico was said to be ‘nothing like’ his ruthless gangster character (Picture: AP)

‘You were tough, and strong, yet sweet and a real artist. There will never ever be anyone like you.

‘I feel so lucky to have known you and been loved by you.’

Katherine Narducci, who played Charmaine Bucco, wrote: ‘Rest In Peace.

‘I wish I could be sitting with all my Sopranos family right now.

‘Sending love to everyone of you… My Heart goes out to Tony’s family. He was loved so dearly by everyone.’

Steve Schirripa, who played the bumbling Bobby Baccalieri on the show, shared a picture of the two on the set of children’s show Sesame Street, with puppets Bert and Ernie.

‘Tony Thank You For All The Laughs My Friend Rest In Peace (sic)’, he wrote.

And Michael Gandolfini, son of the late James Gandolfini, who starred as Tony Soprano, said Sirico was ‘one of a kind.’

‘Tony Sirico was one of the kindest, fiercely loyal, and heartfelt men that I’ve ever known,’ he wrote on Instagram.

Michael Gandolfini said Sirico had always been like an uncle to him growing up (Picture: WireImage)

‘He was always Uncle Tony to me, and Tony always showed up for me and my family.

‘I’ll deeply miss his pinches on my cheek, and his infectious laugh. He was a phenomenal actor and an even better man.’

‘Tony was one of a kind,’ he went on.

‘He touched many with his gift and my heart goes out to his family, his friends, and all of his fans.

‘We love you Tony, thank you for all the joy you brought to many. You will be missed.’

Sirico’s manager Bob McGowan told the PA news agency: ‘He was a very loyal client of 25 years and he’s an ex-army vet and always gave to charities.

‘He’s a big contributor to the Wounded Warriors and would always go to children’s hospitals.

‘He was a great guy, nothing like his character on the Sopranos.’

The star died on Friday at the age of 79, at an assisted living centre in Florida (Picture: Hbo/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

The Simpsons showrunner Al Jean shared an image from when Sirico made a guest appearance on an episode of the cartoon, and wrote: ‘RIP the great Tony Sirico. Having a sitdown with Jimmy and Ray up in Heaven.’

TV Network HBO, which hosted the acclaimed gangster series, wrote that the actor was ‘a tremendous, one-of-a-kind talent.

‘On The Sopranos, his legendary performance as the unwavering Paulie Walnuts cemented him as an icon, beloved for his one-liners and steadfast devotion. He will be sorely missed by the HBO family.’

Sirico was best known for playing gangster Walnuts in all six seasons of the hit HBO show, but also starred in other gangster films and TV shows including Goodfellas, Lilyhammer and A Bronx Tale. 

News of his death was confirmed by his brother Robert Sirico on Friday, who made the announcement on Facebook.

He wrote: ‘It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and a whole lot of fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony ‘Tony’ Sirico wishes to inform you of his death on the morning of July 8, 2022.

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‘The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and condolences and requests that the public respect its privacy in this time of bereavement.’

Sirico is survived by his two children, Joanne Sirico Bello and Richard Sirico, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

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