The Sopranos actor Paul Herman has died at the age of 76, his former castmate has confirmed.

Herman, who was best known for his roles in the hit show as well as The Irishman, Goodfellas and the Silver Linings Playbook, died on Tuesday, March 29 – his 76th birthday.

 

His death was confirmed by fellow Sopranos star Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti in the acclaimed HBO gangster drama.

 

Imperioli took to Instagram where he shared a heartfelt tribute to his ‘friend and colleague’ and ‘great dude’.

 

‘A first-class storyteller and raconteur and one hell of an actor. Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America, The Irishman, and of course The Sopranos are some highlights,’ he wrote.

 

‘Paulie lived around the corner from me the last few years and I am glad we got to spend some time together before he left us.

 

 

‘I’ll miss him,’ he added.

 

‘Lots of love to his family, friends, and community of actors and filmmakers.’

 

Actress Demi Mazar, who appeared in Goodfellas alongside Herman, was heartbroken by the news as she wrote on Imperioli’s tribute: ‘Noooooo!!! Oh no.’

 

She added, along with a string of sad emojis: ‘I have such a long history with Paulie since the early 80’s.’

 

Fans have also paid tribute to the actor, with hundreds flocking to social media to share their favourite moments.

 

‘RIP to the legend Paul Herman who passed today on his 76th birthday,’ one fan wrote, listing some of Herman’s most iconic roles.

 

 Provided by Metro Colleagues and fans have been paying tribute to the actor on social media (Picture: Getty)

 

Another added: ‘RIP to the great Paul Herman, who was great in so many films that I love.’

 

Herman’s career saw him star in films and TV shows of all genres, but his Sopranos character Peter ‘Beansie’ Gaeta is likely what he will be best remembered for by fans.

 

He had also appeared in the likes of The Irishman, Once Upon A Time In America, American Hustle and Entourage.

 

His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.