Tony Sirico, Steve Van Zandt and Michael Imperioli in 2005. Photo: Evan Agostini (Getty Images)
Tony Sirico died yesterday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and former co-stars alike — and especially from “The Sopranos,” where he played mobster Polly Wallets for all six seasons of the HBO show.
The mourners mentioned today include series creator David Chase, who (according to THR ) issued a statement today acknowledging what Sirico — who spent years in and out of prison before turning to the acting world — brought to the role of the temperamental, often hilarious Polly:
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, oddly enough, and I was reminded that he is the main reason for the success of The Sopranos. I will miss you very much, Gennaro. So does the world.
Meanwhile, Lorraine Bracco, who also appeared alongside Sirico in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, wrote on Twitter: “A roommate who always looked out for me and who loved my kids and my 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. Love you buddy.” See also Steve Van Zandt who wrote “RIP Tony Sirico. Legendary. Best friend of Silvio ‘Polly Woltz’ on ‘The Sopranos’, older brother of Frankie ‘The Fixer’ Antonino ‘Father Tony ” Italiano in Lilyhammer. A larger than life character on and off screen. You will be greatly missed my friend. Deepest condolences to the family.” That, in addition to a message yesterday from Sirico’s frequent Sopranos stage partner Michael Imperioli, who helped spread the news of his death and wrote of his own heart. “I’m proud to say that I did a lot of my best and most fun working with my dear friend Tony. I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable.”
In addition to those who have worked with him, fans also continue to make their own stands, sharing their favorite Paulie Walnuts quotes and repeating many of the colorful anecdotes that surrounded Sirico — including one oft-repeated story that is his premise to accept Paulie’s role was that the show’s writers never made him a rat. And of course, many people reposted one of the sweetest and weirdest moments of Sirico’s career: when he and Steve Schirripa appeared on Sesame Street, briefly taking over the roles of Burt and Ernie.
Sesame Street: A Burt and Ernie Christmas with Tony Sirico and Steve Schirripa
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