Joseph Siravo.Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Joseph Siravo, known for his role as Giovanni “Johnny Boy” Soprano onThe Sopranos, has died. He was 64.
Multiple outlets, includingThe Hollywood ReporterandDeadline, report that the actor died Sunday after a long battle with cancer.
“We are both so lucky to be so intensely loved,” she reportedly added. “I am so immensely grateful to have had him here on earth and I know that he hasn’t gone very far.”
A rep for Siravo did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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A television, film and stage actor who appeared in various Broadway and off-Broadway productions throughout his career, Siravo was know for his portrayal of Tony Soprano’s (the lateJames Gandolfini) father, the Soprano family’s former leader, in flashback scenes.
Many of Siravo’s costars paid tribute to him on social media, includingMichael Imperioli,Maureen Van Zandtand Garry Pastore.
“Our friend and colleague JOE SIRAVO has passed away,” Imperioli, 55, captioned a black-and-whitephoto of Siravo on InstagramSunday. “Joe was an excellent actor and a wonderful guy and he will be missed dearly. His performance of Johnny Boy Soprano was spot on and he also made a perfect John Gotti in Nick Sandow’s ‘The Wannabe.’ "
“In my opinion he was the best of all the actors who’ve played the Teflon Don,” he added. “Farewell Joe. Until the next life my friend.#joesiravo#thesopranos#thewannabe#actors#tv#film.”
Joseph Siravo (L) onThe Sopranos.HBO
Wrote Pastore, 59,in his tribute, “RIP my dear friend, who fought an incredible fight. I will miss you. See you on the other side.”
RELATED VIDEO:The SopranosCast on the Legacy of the Show
Siravo’s Broadway credits include roles inConversations with My Father,The Boys from Syracuse,The Light in the PiazzaandOslo.
His death comes almost eight years after that of hisSopranosonscreen son Gandolfini, whodied after suffering a heart attack in 2013.
source: people.com
