Genaro Anthony Sirico better known to Soprano fans as “Pauly Walnuts”

Tony Sirico — From Brooklyn Streets to Sopranos Legend

On my walk at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York—the largest cemetery in the United States—I came across the grave of the late Tony Sirico, forever immortalized as Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri from HBO’s iconic series The Sopranos.

Born and raised in nearby Brooklyn, Tony’s life was as gritty and real as the character he played. Before he ever stepped on a set, Tony was the “real deal”: arrested 28 times on charges ranging from disorderly conduct to robbery, and serving four years in prison on weapon charges. This background gave him an unmatched authenticity that few actors could replicate.

His character, Paulie Walnuts, was as beloved as he was complicated—known for his love of track suits, his germophobia, hatred of cats, and his odd habit of watching TV from a chair covered in plastic. The nickname “Walnuts” came from a legendary mishap where he hijacked a truck full of nuts but was expecting TV sets—a perfect blend of menace and humour that defined the character.

Beyond The Sopranos, Tony also appeared in Goodfellas and even had an uncredited role as an extra in The Godfather: Part II, further cementing his place in the pantheon of classic mob portrayals.

Tony Sirico passed away at age 79 on July 8, 2022, in a nursing home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

1942-2022

Since my visit in November 2023, a lovely black granite monument has been installed in his memory.