Tony Sirico, best known for his role as “Polly Walnuts” Gualtieri on The Sopranos, has died. He was 79.
Sirico died Friday at an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., according to his manager of 25 years, Bob McGowan. No cause of death has been released, but Sirico had been suffering from dementia for the past few years.
“He was not only a loyal customer, but a good friend,” McGowan told The Hollywood Reporter.
Sirico played “Polly Walnuts” Gualtieri, a close confidante of James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano, on the HBO series.
His Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli paid tribute to Sirico on his Instagram, writing: “It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, the great TONY SIRICO passed away today. Tony was like no other: he was as tough, as loyal and as big-hearted as anyone I’ve ever known.”
He continued: “I’ve been there for him through so much: good times and bad. But mostly good. And we laughed a lot. We found a rhythm as Christopher and Polly and I’m proud to say that I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear friend Tony. I will miss you forever. He is truly irreplaceable. I send love to his family, friends and his many fans. He was loved and will never be forgotten. Heartbroken today.”
Born in New York on July 29, 1942, Sirico served in the Army before starting his acting career in the 1970s. Sirico made his acting debut in the 1974 drama Crazy Joe, starring Henry Winkler.
Sirico is also known for roles in films such as Goodfellas, Cop Land and Mickey Blue Eyes. He frequently collaborated with Woody Allen, appearing in the director’s films Bullets Over Broadway, Mighty Aphrodite, Everyone Says I Love You, Deconstructing Harry, Celebrity and Wonder Wheel.
Among his television work was a voice role in five episodes of Family Guy as Vinny Griffin, who was temporarily the family dog. Sirico also recurred on Netflix’s Lilyhammer and as a voice on American Dad! Other television roles include Miami Vice, Chuck, Medium, Taxi Brooklyn and The Grindr.
His latest work includes the film Respect the Jux.
The Sopranos creator David Chase paid tribute to Sirico in a statement that read: “Tony was a gem. The way Buddhists treat jewelry – supernatural and master. But certainly not a Zen master. He was so wild, so funny, so talented. I’m so happy for him that in the mid 50’s and 60’s he finally learned how talented and loved he was. I was thinking about him yesterday, strangely enough, and I was reminded that he is the main reason for the success of The Sopranos. I will miss you very much, Gennaro. And so does the world.”
Sirico was also remembered by colleagues Lorraine Bracco and Stevie Van Zandt. “Sopranos” and “Goodfellas” star Bracco wrote on Twitter: “A straight man who always looked out for me and who loved my kids and parents. I have a lifetime of memories with Tony – ranging from Goodfellas to The Sopranos and more, but oh my, did we have fun doing the Bensonhurst Spelling Bee. I hope he’s in heaven now cracking everyone up. I love you, buddy.” Bracco also starred alongside Sirico in the Funny or Die short The Bensonhurst Spelling Bee.
Sirico’s Lilyhammer colleague Zandt wrote: “RIP Tony Sirico. Legendary. Best friend of Silvio “Polly Walnuts” in The Sopranos, older brother of Frankie “The Fixer” Antonino “Father Tony” Tagliano in Lilyhammer. A larger than life character on and off screen. I will miss you dearly my friend. Deepest condolences to the family.”
Meanwhile, HBO described Sirico as “a tremendous, one-of-a-kind talent. “On The Sopranos, his legendary performance as the unflinching Polly Walnuts established him as an icon, beloved for his one-liners and unwavering dedication. He will be greatly missed by the HBO family,” read a statement shared on HBO’s official Twitter account.
Sirico is survived by daughter Joan, son Richard and brother Robert.
Jul 8, 9:18 pm Updated with Chase’s statement.
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