The loss of his character on “The Sopranos” hit Vincent Pastore hard, leaving him feeling as though he was sleeping with the fishes, according to those close to him.
“He was truly heartbroken when his role was terminated on ‘The Sopranos’,” his longtime friend, Bo Dietl, 75, revealed in an exclusive interview with Page Six. “In some ways, it was as if he experienced a personal death,” Dietl reflected.
Pastore, who passed away on August 1 at the age of 80, brought to life the character of Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the acclaimed HBO series from 1999 until 2007, gracing 30 episodes with his presence.
After his character met a dramatic end in the climactic Season 2 finale aired in April 2000, Pastore’s appearances became limited to the occasional dream sequence or flashback.
Dietl, renowned for his transformation from NYPD detective to private investigator and actor for over three decades, first shared the screen with Pastore in the iconic mob film “Goodfellas” directed by Martin Scorsese in 1990.
The two also appeared together in “Carlito’s Way” and, most recently, “Gravesend,” in 2025, which is the last time Dietl last spent time with Pastore.
Dietl described a lively dinner that also included his “Gravesend” co-star Chazz Palminteri.
“Vincent was in good spirits last time I saw him, me, him and Chaz … it was just like old times.” Dietl stated, adding that his friend seemed to be happy and doing well at the time.
“He was a great guy that everyone liked,” Dietl said before mournfully adding, “He should have been cast in a lot of other movies, he was a great actor.”
When not acting alongside real-life or fictional criminals, Dietl serves as a member of President Trump’s Homeland Security Advisory Council.
Over 100 mourners said their final goodbyes during Pastore’s funeral Thursday at the Holy Family Church in New Rochelle.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Pastore was carried out of the church in a coffin draped with the American flag.
He is survived by one daughter, Renee Pastore, who encouraged funeralgoers “to pass on what he has given to you” through acts of kindness during her father’s eulogy.