THE SOPRANOS - Tony Sirico's real life MAFIA past - “PAULIE WALNUTS” actor's criminal history!

Actor Tony Sirico portrayed gangster Peter "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri in the hit HBO series - THE SOPRANOS. However many years before starring in the hit show, Tony Sirico famously had a gangster past, and alleged links to the Colombo Crime Family.

This American Mafia documentary looks at Mafia History and takes a look at the life and crimes of Tony Sirico before he became a respected actor. A man who in his career starred alongside the likes of James Gandolfini, Paul Sorvino, Dennis Hopper, Harvey Keitel to name a few.

This Mafia Video features Cosa Nostra characters such as Carmine Persico, Sally D'Ambrosio and Larry Gallo, as well as actors such as Richard Castellano who played Clemenza in the Godfather, Vincent Pastore who played Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, Woody Allen and many more...

[darkstar]

The guy killed 16 Czechoslovakians. He’s an interior decorator. He had some of the best lines in the series.

[JayBee]

Tony Sirico in Sopranos was a scene stealer. You knew if he was in a scene, he would outshine everyone and he would have the best lines.

[markandrewgriggs]

I met Tony and James Gandolfini when they came to Afghanistan on a MWR tour. James (Tony soprano) was a little cranky probably bc they just flew 18 hrs to a war zone. But Mr. Siricio shook my hand, looked me in the eyes and told me that I matter and that I need to get home safe. That particular deployment was tough for me and I think he could see that. He's a stand up guy, helped me keep my head up at a time when I didn't think I could anymore. I won't ever forget that.

[mattberry]

i was a yard officer at san quentin for many years. i had an inmate worker who cleaned up my area and yard shack. we’ll call him vinny. he was the hardest worker i had even though he was in his seventies. he opened up a little about his past and mentioned he and tony were roommates for around three years back in the late sixties early seventies. he had a few pictures of the two of them wearing the shiny silk suits that were popular at the time. when vinny came up for parole tony sent him a check for 50k and a nissan altima to give him a start after 17 years locked up.

[anthonyagueci]

RIP Tony Sirico. A fantastic actor, his portrayal of Paulie was earth shifting. What a life. Gone but never forgotten.

[explosiverex]

If you notice in the sopranos, he always has his hands in front of him when he is talking, when asked about it he said he picked it up in prison, the reason being you never know whos gonna do what so you always have your hands in front of you ready for anything, another great episode! 👍

[welshwarrior]

With a past or not, he was a natural character actor that had me in stitches when watching the Sopranos. Excellent info, thanks for sharing.

[zareththealchemist]

One of my favorite scenes on the Sopranos was when Tony told Paulie over the phone about "The Russian" and said "He killed 14 Chechnians barehanded. He was with the Department of the Interior." Paulie then told Christopher something similar but funny AF. " Tony says he killed 14 Checklisavlakians and he was an interior decorator." To which Christopher said "Interior decorator? His place looked like shit." They really did have some great dialog on the Sopranos. Good video OC SHORTZ.

[paradigmshift]

he spent a few years in the army, a few more in the can and here he is half a wise guy lol

[theworldaccordingtosimba]

Paulie was a great, great character. Funny as hell and easily one of the best characters on the Sopranos.

[bkylnrootsbathave]

Tony and his family lived and grew up 2 blocks from my home. His family owns Sirico's catering hall near by. We all knew him, everyone in our neighborhood was connected and had the same look. We were ecstatic when he made the big screen. I still see him eating at Areos' restaurant.

[soonermagic]

There’s a scene in the sopranos where Paulie mentions living the the 70s when the Colombo’s were going at it” it’s funny because that’s when he was an associate with the Colombo crime family.

[edue]

I got more respect for Mr. Sirico for turning his life around and earning a legitimate paycheck.

[TheStuport]

Back when The Sopranos first came on HBO, I remember seeing Paulie Walnuts and instantly thinking to myself "Geez, that guy absolutely epitomizes Gangster" Years after the Show ended it's run was when I actually found out that "Paulie Walnuts" had indeed been a Gangster in his own right years before! I had to laugh out loud James when you read that conversation between He and Woody Allen where Woody say's "I was a good second baseman. And Tony replies he was "Good At Baseball Bats"! LOLOL A wonderful presentation as always AND enjoyable as it kept a "Wiseguy Theme" but also was a stroll down memory lane in many ways! When I first found out about Tony S in fact being an actual Gangster before his acting gigs, the reporter interviewing him asked "Why do you always hold your hands together out in front of you?" Tony S. replied it was a habit from his incarcerated days in the joint in that you had to be on the guard at all times and ready to throw down in a moments notice!"! He said it just stayed with him after he got out! Have a Great Weekend Mate and Cheers From Across The Pond In Ohio

[ChiseledAdonis]

Ex-Con Actors: does something funny

Tony Sirico in prison: Hehehehe

[baks]

He was my favorite in The Sopranos. Especially when him and Christopher were together. “Pine Barrens” episode is comedic gold.

[gregthegroove]

I like how David Chase used a lot of what made Paulie Walnuts, made Tony Sirico as well. All the little quirks like cleanliness, carrying the little cologne, perfect hair etc…Paulie was Tony and Tony was Paulie. Incredible.

[EBThisThat]

I was hoping someone would cover Tony. He's one of my favorite characters on The Sopranos, and its easy to see why. His timing is perfect, which, as a comedian is something you're either born with or you don't have at all. You can't force comedy (trust me, I should know). This is absolutely fascinating. You earned another subscriber. Tip top job !

[cmenorp]

He was also in the film "Dead Presidents" for literally seconds as a Police officer who finds one of the main characters dead from a drugs OD.

[hayleyblackburn]

In the scene where Finn is explaining to the crew how he seen Vito with the security guard, Paulie's "son offa bitch". is for me the funniest line of the series. The genuine outrage he portrays, along with the subtle " he was catching, not pitching" line from the other guy is comical . Cracks me up every time.