Pay It FORWARD

The Sopranos alum is committed to handing down the lessons he's learned to the next generation

- VINCENT PASTORE

Sometimes when Vincent Pastore is teaching an acting class in New York City, a Sopranos fan will show up. “Usually it’s a guy,” says Vincent, who played mafia strongman Salvatore Bonpensiero — affectionately known as “Big Pussy” due to his early career as a cat burglar — on the influential HBO mob series. “I say, ‘What are you doing here?’ ‘Well, you know, I wanted to meet you.’ I say, ‘Well, I’m Vinny. I’m a teacher. I’m not that guy on television, you know.’”

The New York native, whose beloved character made many return appearances to The Sopranos after he was offed in season two, takes pride in passing on what he’s learned as an actor in classes at HB Studios. TV viewers can also find him as Donnie Sisto, the Consigliere, on the Amazon Prime drama, Gravesend. “I’ve also got a theater group, Renegade, with Maureen Van Zandt,” says Vincent, who produces classic and contemporary plays for the stage.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in New Rochelle, New York in an Italian-American neighborhood. I went to New Rochelle High School, then the Navy, then college. I went into the club business and then I became an actor in 1989.

Was becoming an actor something you always wanted to do?

My dream was not to be an actor. My dream was to be a nightclub owner. I love putting shows together. It’s ironic because Michael Imperioli wrote the Sopranos episode where his character, Christopher, bought a bar for Adriana called the Crazy Horse. That was the name of my bar.

He played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on The Sopranos from 1999 to 2007.

Was that a coincidence?

No, Michael used to come in there.

You had a small part in Goodfellas. Was that your first big break?