Tony Sirico Dead @79

Actor Tony Sirico, who played gangster Polly Walnuts in the HBO series 'The Sopranos, died at 79. 

In 1999 Tony Sirico played a leading role in the HBO channel drama 'The Sopranos' which was a huge hit.

Tony played small parts in six Woody Allen films from 1994 to 2016. Sirico didn't have a good reputation before the breakout role.

In which he was a captain in the crime family of main character Tony Soprano, played by the late James Gandolfini.

The Sopranos was an influential hit drama at the beginning of the era of prestige television that became his mark.

The Sopranos co-star Steven van Zandt said, "A larger-than-life character on and off-screen, my friends will miss you."

Sirico often played Italian-American mobsters, including his short but memorable character in 'Goodfellas'.

Sirico lent his voice to the talking dog Vinny in the animated show 'Family Guy' which was well received.

Woody Allen movies: Bullets Over Broadway in 1994 Mighty Aphrodite in 1995 Everybody Says I Love You in 1996 Deconstructing Harry in 1997 Celebrities in 1998

Born on July 29, 1942, in Brooklyn, USA, Sirico served 20 months in prison on gun charges in the early 1970s.

Tony Sirico has two children and several grandchildren, his brother saying no cause of death was given.