Vincent Pastore, the veteran actor best known for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in HBO’s The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80.

Vincent Pastore reportedly died at his home in the Bronx, New York, on Friday after his neighbours raised the alarm when they had not heard from him for several days.

The cause of his death has not been disclosed, as investigations are currently ongoing.

Mr Pastore was born in 1946 in the Bronx, New York. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy before pursuing a degree in drama at Pace University.

He met Matt and Kevin Dillon after a performance in a community play and became friends with the brothers, who encouraged him to pursue a professional acting career.

His career took off years later, securing roles in several films, including Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way, Men of Respect and Gotti, before joining the cast of The Sopranos in 1999 as Salvatore Bonpensiero, the longtime best friend of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini).

The veteran actor also appeared in numerous film and television productions, including Mickey Blue Eyes, Two Family House, Riding in Cars with Boys, Witness to the Mob, Deuces Wild, Mafia!, Serving Sara, This Thing of Ours, Shark Tale and others.

He is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore, from his previous marriage to Nancy Berke.

Actor Michael Imperioli, who co-starred in The Sopranos as Christopher “Chris” Moltisanti, described the veteran actor as a “beloved friend and collaborator.”

“Vinny was a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will always miss him,” Mr Imperioli said.