Tony Sirico, Actor, Dies at 79

Cause of death great actor Tony Sirico

Actor

Tony Sirico, best known for his legendary role as "Polly Walnuts" Gualtieri on The Sopranos, has died. It is being told that he was 79 years old.

 Sirico died Friday at an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., according to manager Bob McGowan, 25. Till Jha, the police say that no cause of his death was revealed but Sirico had been suffering from dementia for the past few years.

He was born on 29 July 1942 in New York City. Sirico began his acting career in the 1970s, contributing to the military, later Sirico made his acting debut in the 1974 drama Crazy Joe, starring Henry Winkler.

McGowan told The Hollywood Reporter that not only was he a loyal customer, he was a good friend,"

Sirico portrayed "Polly Walnuts" Gualtieri, a close confidant of James Gandolfini's Tony Soprano on the HBO series during his lifetime.

The Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli paid tribute to Sirico on Instagram, writing, "Sad to say that my special friend, colleague and partner in crime, Tony Sirico, has passed away today. Tony Like no one else, he was unique and a great friend: he also revealed that he was as tough, loyal, and as big-hearted as I've ever known."



His friend said "I've been with him all the time whether it's good times or bad. But mostly the good. And we had a lot to think about that we found a groove in Christopher and Paulie and I'm proud to say that that I did my best and most fun work with my special friend Tony. I will forever be remembered in my fond memories. He was a truly irreplaceable and a wonderful human being. I appreciate his family, friends and his Sending love to many fans. He was dear and will never be forgotten. Heartbroken today that a great artist and a great human being is no more in this world."

Sirico was also known for roles in such great films as Goodfellas, Cop Land and Mickey Blue Eyes. He often worked 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.