Tony Sirico

Genaro Anthony Sirico Jr. ( sih-REE-koh; July 24, 1942 – July 8, 2022) was an American actor. Often cast as a mobster, he portrayed Paulie Gualtieri in The Sopranos and Vinny Griffin in Family Guy.

Born in Brooklyn to an Italian-American family, Sirico had a tumultuous early life marked by multiple arrests and periods of imprisonment for crimes including robbery, assault, and extortion. His interest in acting was sparked during a prison sentence, following a visit by an acting troupe of ex-convicts. Sirico's acting career began with minor roles in films such as Crazy Joe and eventually led to significant roles in movies including Goodfellas and Mighty Aphrodite, as well as appearances in six other Woody Allen films.

Aside from his film career, Sirico made notable contributions to television and animation, voicing characters in The Fairly OddParents and Family Guy. His role in The Sopranos earned him acclaim. Sirico's life off-screen was marked by his service in the United States Army, and his philanthropic efforts, including USO visits to Southwest Asia. He died in 2022, aged 79.

Early life

Sirico was born in Brooklyn, New York City, on July 24, 1942, to a family of Italian descent. He grew up in the East Flatbush and Bensonhurst neighborhoods of Brooklyn, and attended Midwood High School, but did not graduate. Sirico's brother, Robert Sirico, is a Catholic priest and co-founder of the free-market Acton Institute. As a teenager, Sirico was shot in a dispute over a girl. He subsequently served in the United States Army.