Sopranos Actor Tony Sirico, 'Paulie Walnuts,' Dies At 79

Tony Sirico, 79, died on Friday. He was best known for playing "Paulie" Walnuts in the acclaimed HBO series "The Sopranos."

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His Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli posted the information on his Instagram page.

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Although no specific cause of death was given, Sirico had been experiencing dementia for a few years.

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Tony was unlike anyone else; he was as tough, as loyal, and as kindhearted as anyone I've ever known, according to his Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli.

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The family is very appreciative of all the messages of support, prayers, and condolences and asks that the public respect their privacy during this difficult time.

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On Wednesday, there will be a funeral in Brooklyn.

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He played a cop in "Dead Presidents" (1995), a suburban gangster in "Cop Land" (1997), and a capo for the Gambino crime family in the television film "Gotti" before "The Sopranos" (1996).

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He frequently collaborated with his "Sopranos" co-stars when the HBO series came to an end in 2007.

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In the cartoon comedy "Family Guy," he also provided the voice of a streetwise dog named Vinny (2013-16).

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