Vincent Pastore facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vincent Pastore
Pastore in 2013
Born	Vincent Dominic Pastore (1946-07-14)July 14, 1946 New York City, U.S.
Died	August 1, 2026(2026-08-01) (aged 80) New York City, U.S.
Education	Pace University
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1988–2026
Spouse(s)	Nancy Berke ​ (divorced)​
Children	1

Vincent Dominic Pastore (July 14, 1946 – August 1, 2026) was an American actor. He was well-known for often playing characters involved in fictional crime stories. He was perhaps most famous for his role in the popular HBO drama series The Sopranos (1999–2007), a role for which he and the cast won a special Screen Actors Guild Award.

Pastore began his acting journey with small parts in movies like Goodfellas (1990), Carlito's Way (1993), and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). He also appeared in the HBO film Gotti (1996), Mickey Blue Eyes (1999), DreamWorks’s animated movie Shark Tale (2004), and Revolver (2005).

On television, he had early small roles in Law & Order from 1992 to 1996. Later, he had recurring roles in the drama series Bull (2000), the comedy show Son of the Beach (2000–2002), the legal drama The Practice (2004), and the animated comedy series Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2008–2012). His last roles were in the Showtime series The Curse (2024) and the thriller series Yellowjackets (2025).

On stage, he made his first appearance on Broadway in the musical Chicago (2007). He later had a role in the musical Bullets Over Broadway (2014).

Early Life and Education

Vincent Dominic Pastore was born on July 14, 1946, in the Bronx, New York City. He grew up in a neighborhood with many families of Italian heritage in New Rochelle, New York. After finishing high school, he joined the U.S. Navy as a sailor during the Vietnam War period. He then studied drama and earned a degree from Pace University. Before becoming an actor, Pastore worked in clubs and as a driver. He decided to pursue acting after becoming friends with actors Matt and Kevin Dillon.

Vincent Pastore's Acting Journey

Starting Out: 1988–1998

Pastore often played characters from Italian-American backgrounds, sometimes involved in fictional crime stories, in movies and on TV. He started with small roles in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These included films like Goodfellas (1990) and Carlito's Way (1993). In Goodfellas, he had a brief scene pushing a coat rack. In Carlito's Way, he played one of the friends of an Italian man.

He also appeared in movies such as Flodders in America (1992), Money Train (1995), The Last Don (1997), and Mafia! (1998). From 1992 to 1996, he had various roles on the TV show Law & Order.

Pastore got a more significant role as Tony Scarboni in the comedy/crime film The Jerky Boys: The Movie (1995). In the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti, Pastore played Angelo Ruggiero. He acted alongside other actors who would later join him in The Sopranos, like Tony Sirico, Frank Vincent, and Dominic Chianese.

Big Success with The Sopranos: 1999–2007

In 1999, Pastore landed his most famous role in the HBO series The Sopranos. He played the character Salvatore Bonpensiero, a key part of the show's story.

During this time, he also appeared in many other films. These included Mickey Blue Eyes, Two Family House, Riding in Cars with Boys, Made, Serving Sara, and the animated movie Shark Tale, where he voiced the character Luca. He also acted in Guy Ritchie's film Revolver.

His television work continued with shows like Grounded for Life, Son of the Beach, One Life to Live, Ed, Las Vegas, and Everybody Hates Chris.

In 2006, Pastore participated in the VH1 reality show Celebrity Fit Club, where he successfully lost 29 pounds (about 13 kg).

In 2007, Pastore joined the fourth season of the American dance competition show Dancing with the Stars. However, he decided to leave the competition after just one week, explaining that the training was too physically demanding for him. John Ratzenberger took his place.

Also in 2007, Pastore made his first appearance on Broadway in the musical Chicago, playing the role of Amos Hart.

Later Roles and Reality TV: 2008–2026

Pastore at the 2017 Chiller Theatre Expo, Parsippany, New Jersey

In 2008, Pastore joined the cast of General Hospital as Maximus Giambetti. On this show, he again played a character involved in fictional crime stories. He also had roles in the films College Road Trip (2008) and Dough Boys (2008).

Pastore was a contestant on the January 2008 season of Celebrity Apprentice. He helped raise money for charity by selling hot dogs and Broadway show tickets. During the show, he decided to resign, and his resignation was accepted. The show ended with a scene that reminded viewers of The Sopranos finale. In a later episode, Pastore gave a $50,000 check, which he received for being a project manager, to a memorial fund for his ex-wife's husband.

On July 1, 2008, Pastore appeared on NBC's Celebrity Family Feud. His team competed to win money for a charity that researches a cure for pancreatic cancer, and they won a $10,000 prize.

In 2011, Pastore and a business partner appeared on Shark Tank to seek investment for "Broccoli Wad," a special money clip. One of the investors, Barbara Corcoran, offered $50,000 for a share in the company, suggesting they use Pastore's name and face on the product. They agreed.

He also appeared in the VH1 reality show Famous Food in 2011, where contestants worked to open a restaurant. Pastore played Mayor Avenoso in the 2012 film Surviving Family. He also had roles in TV series like Blue Bloods and an uncredited voice role in Aqua Teen Hunger Force. In 2014, he returned to Broadway in the musical Bullets Over Broadway. He also appeared on Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back in 2020.

Beyond Acting: Other Projects

Radio and Podcasts

Pastore hosted The Wiseguy Show on Sirius Satellite Radio. This weekly show celebrated Italian-American culture. He also hosted radio shows on WVOX in New Rochelle, New York, at different times.

In September 2020, Pastore started a podcast called Fuhgeddaboudit with Vinny Pastore with Goumba Johnny.

Vincent Pastore's Italian Sauce

In 2019, Pastore started his own business selling tomato sauce called Vincent Pastore's Italian Sauce. The sauce is made with San Marzano tomatoes, is not GMO, and has no added sugar.

Personal Life and Passing

Vincent Pastore was married to Nancy Berke, and they had a daughter. They later divorced. He became good friends with Nancy's later husband and gave his winnings from The Apprentice to a charity in his friend's memory. Pastore faced a health challenge in 2014 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. In the same year, he served as the grand marshal for the Columbus Day parade in the Bronx. He lived on City Island in the Bronx.

Vincent Pastore passed away at his home on City Island on August 1, 2026, at the age of 80. His funeral was held in New Rochelle on August 6.

Acting Credits

Film

Television

Theatre

Video Games

Music Videos

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Vincent Pastore para niños