Sirico, a Brooklyn native, amassed a number of credit within the late ’80s and ’90s, showing in movies like “Goodfellas,” “Mighty Aphrodite,” and “Mickey Blue Eyes.”

However he grew to become well-known — notably in households with cable — by way of “The Sorpanos,” enjoying the colourful however brutal-when-necessary Paulie Walnuts.

On the time of his audition, he recalled in a single interview, he was 55 and sleeping on his mom’s sofa. He’d auditioned for a distinct character, however creator David Chase approached him with a distinct function, that turned out to be iconic in its personal proper.

After the present ended, Sirico appeared in exhibits like “Lilyhammer,” “The Grinder” and “Household Man.”

However “Sorpanos” — thanks partly to the present’s renewed recognition by way of streaming — remained his most memorable work.

“We discovered a groove as Christopher and Paulie and I’m proud to say I did loads of my finest and most enjoyable work with my pricey pal Tony,” Imperioli added. “I’ll miss him perpetually. He’s really irreplaceable. I ship like to his household, pals and his many many followers. He was beloved and can by no means be forgotten. Heartbroken immediately.”

“Tony Sirico was one of many kindest, fiercely loyal, and heartfelt males that I’ve ever recognized,” he wrote. “He was all the time Uncle Tony to me, and Tony all the time confirmed up for me and my household. I will deeply miss his pinches on my cheek, and his infectious snicker. He was an outstanding actor and a good higher man.”