Tony Sirico was an actor from America. It was his parts in The Sopranos, Mighty Aphrodite, and Goodfellas that brought him the most fame.
His acting career began in the 1970s, and since then he has acted in over 50 films and 20 television series. Before becoming an actor, he was a real-life gangster who had served two prison terms and been arrested 28 times.
Early Criminal Activity
Tony Sirico was born as Gennaro Anthony Sirico Jr. in New York City on July 29, 1942. Robert, his brother, is a Roman Catholic priest. Sirico grew up in the Brooklyn communities of East Flatbush and Bensonhurst.
Throughout his youth, he committed multiple crimes, culminating in 28 arrests for, among other acts, robbery, violence, and disorderly behavior.
Sirico’s run-in with the law was particularly severe in 1971 when he was indicted for coercion, extortion, and felony weapons possession and sentenced to four years in jail.
In the end, he served twenty months in Sing Sing. During his imprisonment, an ex-convict performing company motivated Sirico to seek a career in acting.
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Television Profession
Tony Sirico made his television debut in a 1977 episode of the crime drama series “Kojak.” He did not return to television until an episode of “Police Squad!” in 1982.
Sirico appeared in the television films “Perfect Witness” and “In the Shadow of a Killer” after another lengthy absence. In the late 1990s, he appeared in the television films “Gotti,” “Witness to the Mob,” and “Vig.”
What Was Tony Sirico’s Salary and Net Worth?
Tony Sirico was an American actor best remembered for his portrayal of Peter Paul Gualtieri, often known as “Paulie Walnuts,” on the HBO television series “The Sopranos.”
Tony Sirico had a net worth of $8 million at the time of his passing in July 2022. Tony made 86 appearances on The Sopranos.
He has also acted in a number of Woody Allen films, such as “Bullets Over Broadway,” “Mighty Aphrodite,” “Deconstructing Harry,” and “Café Society.” Other cinematic credits for Sirico include “The Pick-up Artist,” “Goodfellas,” and “Innocent Blood.” Tony Sirico passed away on July 8, 2022, at age 79.
The Sopranos
Sirico’s most significant and well-known role was in 1999’s “The Sopranos” on HBO. He portrayed Paul Gualtieri, also known as “Paulie Walnuts,” one of Tony Soprano’s chief henchmen, who was portrayed by James Gandolfini.
Sirico first auditioned for the role of Uncle Junior but was awarded the part of Gualtieri after Dominic Chianese was cast in that role. He stayed on the show until its cancellation in 2007, receiving two SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series alongside his co-stars.
Tony resided with his mother at the time of his audition, sleeping on her couch at the age of 55.
Following The Sopranos
Sirico portrayed a mobster in the television special “A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa” after the conclusion of “The Sopranos.” Following this, he featured in episodes of “Chuck” and “Medium.”
Sirico portrayed Captain Salie in the 2012 TV movie “Jersey Shore Shark Attack.” Afterward, he portrayed Tony Tagliano in two episodes of the crime series “Lilyhammer” and reunited with his “Sopranos” co-stars James Gandolfini and Michael Imperioli in the Nickelodeon television film “Nicky Deuce.”
Sirico voiced Vinny, the replacement dog for Brian on the animated comedy “Family Guy,” among other notable roles. He also provided the voice of a gangster on the animated sitcom “American Dad!”
Film Industry
Sirico made his film debut as a supporting actor in the 1974 crime picture “Crazy Joe.” He went on to become the actor of choice for gangster roles.
Sirico has portrayed gangsters in numerous films, including “Fingers,” “The One Man Jury,” “Defiance,” “Love and Money,” “The Pick-up Artist,” “Hello Again,” “Goodfellas,” “Innocent Blood,” “The Search for One-eyed Jimmy,” “Cop Land,” “Mob Queen,” “Mickey Blue Eyes,” and “Turnabout.”
Sirico has appeared in many Woody Allen films, including “Bullets Over Broadway,” “Mighty Aphrodite,” “Everyone Says I Love You,” “Deconstructing Harry,” “Celebrity,” “Café Society,” and “Wonder Wheel.”
Sirico appeared in the erotic comedy “So Fine,” the drama “Exposed,” the romantic action thriller “Catchfire,” the dramedy “29th Street,” and the crime thriller “Romeo is Bleeding,” among other films.
He also played a notable police officer in the 1995 film “Dead Presidents.” Sirico later appeared in the 2014 films “Friends and Romans” and “Zarra’s Law.” Since then, he has appeared in “Sarah Q” alongside “Sopranos” co-stars Vincent Pastore and Federico Castelluccio, as well as “Respect the Jux” and “Super Athlete.”
Personal Life
Joanne and Richard were the two children of Sirico. He made substantial contributions to charity organizations, particularly St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.