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Tony Sirico, star of The Sopranos, dies aged 79

Sirico also starred in Lilyhammer, A Bronx Tale and Goodfellas - WIREIMAGE
Sirico also starred in Lilyhammer, A Bronx Tale and Goodfellas - WIREIMAGE

Sopranos actor Tony Sirico, who played Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri on the hit HBO show, has died aged 79, his family has announced.

The actor, who appeared in all six seasons of The Sopranos alongside James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, died on Friday morning.

Sirico also starred in other gangster films and shows including Lilyhammer, A Bronx Tale and Goodfellas.

A statement posted on Facebook by his brother Robert Sirico thanked fans for their condolences and asked for privacy following the news.

"It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and a whole lot of fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony 'Tony' Sirico wishes to inform you of his death on the morning of July 8, 2022," the statement read.

"The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and condolences and requests that the public respect its privacy in this time of bereavement."

Sirico's Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli paid tribute to his "dear friend, colleague and partner in crime" following the news.

Sirico opposite Gandolfini in The Sopranos - HBO
Sirico opposite Gandolfini in The Sopranos - HBO

The actor said he was "heartbroken" and that he was proud to have done "a lot of my best work" with Sirico.

"It pains me to say that my dear friend, colleague and partner in crime, the great Tony Sirico has passed away today," he wrote on Instagram.

"Tony was like no one else: he was as tough, as loyal and as big hearted as anyone I've ever known.

"I was at his side through so much: through good times and bad. But mostly good. And we had a lot of laughs.

"We found a groove as Christopher and Paulie and I am proud to say I did a lot of my best and most fun work with my dear pal Tony.

"I will miss him forever. He is truly irreplaceable. I send love to his family, friends and his many many fans.

"He was beloved and will never be forgotten. Heartbroken today."

Sirico is survived by his two children, Joanne Sirico Bello and Richard Sirico, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and many other relatives.

Sirico was born July 29, 1942 in New York.

Prior to acting he was convicted of several crimes and arrested more than 20 times.

His past is reported to have influenced his acting career and he was well known for his portrayal of unsavoury characters in films.

As well as the Sopranos and Goodfellas, he appeared in Mob Queen, Mighty Aphrodite, Love and Money, Fingers, The One Man Jury, Defiance, The Last Fight and Innocent Blood, among others.

He also played policemen in the films Dead Presidents and Deconstructing Harry.

More recently in 2013 he appeared in three episodes of the US cartoon Family Guy as the voice of Vinny Griffin, the family's pet dog, who replaced Brian Griffin after his death.