Tony Sirico, an actor best known for his role as Paulie Walnuts on "The Sopranos," passed away on Friday, his brother Robert announced on Facebook. He was 79. 

The priest wrote with a picture of Gennaro Anthony "Tony" Sirico, "It is with tremendous grief, but with incredible pride, love, and a whole lot of happy memories that the family of Gennaro Anthony "Tony" Sirico wishes to inform you of his passing on the morning of July 8, 2022." 

"Tony is survived by his two cherished children, Joanne Sirico Bello and Richard Sirico, as well as grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, and a large number of other relatives. 

"The family is extremely appreciative of the many offers of love, prayers, and sympathies and begs privacy during this time of mourning. 

Donations in his memory may be given to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude's Hospital, and the Acton Institute. 

Michael Imperioli, his co-star, also wrote a tribute on Instagram, stating "Tony was like no one else: he was as tough, as loyal and as big hearted as anyone i've ever known." 

Tony will be known primarily for his part in "The Sopranos," for which he earned two Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Ensemble Performance. 

In numerous films, including "Goodfellas," "Mighty Aphrodite," "Gotti," "Copland," and "Mickey Blue Eyes," he portrayed a mobster or gangster. 

Sirico was a staunch supporter of the United States military; he and James Gandolfini once traveled to Iraq to attend a demonstration for the troops. In addition, he maintained his support for the Wounded Warriors organization. 

ALSO READ: Lenny Von Dohlen Cause of Death Mysterious: How Did 'Twin Peaks' Actor Die?

His passing took place a few days after a death hoax about him went viral and was belied by his representatives afterwards, immediately. 

 

A Facebook page titled "R.I.P. Tony Sirico" garnered nearly one million 'likes' on Thursday, fueling rumors of the actor's purported demise. The 'About' page provided a credible story of the American actor's death: 

"At about 11 a.m. ET on Thursday (July 07, 2022), our beloved actor Tony Sirico passed away. Tony Sirico was born on July 29, 1942 in New York. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page."

Hundreds of fans quickly began posting condolences on the actor's Facebook page, expressing their regret at his passing at the age of 79. And as usual, the death hoax enraged the Twittersphere. 

While some trusting followers believed the post, others were immediately wary, possibly having learned their lesson from the plethora of false celebrity death stories that have surfaced in recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been reported on any major American network, indicating that it was a hoax, as the death of an actor of Tony Sirico's stature would have been a major story on all networks. 

Soon after, the actor's representatives formally confirmed that Tony Sirico is still alive. 

Some fans have criticized the false claim, calling it irresponsible, disturbing, and harmful to the actor's fans. Others think this demonstrates his worldwide popularity.

Unfortunately, the hoax came true. 

READ ALSO: Gregory Itzin Cause of Death Tragic: 'Star Trek' Unexpectedly Died at 72 Due to THIS 

Tags: Tony SIrico