From Wiseguy to Actor: The Turbulent Life and Journey of Tony Sirico

Before the world knew him as mobster Paulie “Walnuts” Gaultieri, actor Tony Sirico grew up in Brooklyn living a life not that far removed from the one he portrayed on TV

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Depiction of Tony Sirico (Image generated via Midjourney)

Background

Paulie “Walnuts” Gaultieri, Tony Batts, Charlie “Cement” Charlie Nuts, Rosato brothers hood, associate, mobster, thief, tough guy, escaped convict, himself. These are some of the movie and television roles played by beloved actor and tough guy Tony Sirico over his more than four decades in show business.

To say that the Brooklyn-born actor was typecast would probably be an understatement. However, it is unlikely that Siroco minded, considering that acting probably saved his life. Tony Sirico had an on-screen presence that oozed authenticity and menace.

That’s because prior to becoming an actor, Tony Sirico was a street guy who, by his own admission, was involved in extortion, armed…