Sopranos Star Joseph Siravo Dies At 66
Sopranos star Joseph Siravo has died at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer, Screen Rant confirmed with the actor's manager.
The Sopranos star Joseph Siravo has died at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer. The actor is most recognized for playing Tony Soprano’s father Giovanni Frances “Johnny Boy” Soprano throughout the acclaimed series. He leaves behind an impressive career, with memorable performances in film, television, and the theatre. Siravo also used his talent to give back, making a name for himself as a respected acting teacher. After earning his MFA from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Theatre Program, he was invited to join the NYU grad faculty.
The acting bug bit Siravo at a young age. The DC Metro area native made his big-screen debut in 1993, playing opposite Al Pacino and Sean Penn in Carlito’s Way. His other film credits include Maid in Manhattan, The Wannabe, Shark Tale, and in later years, Adam Driver’s The Report and Edward Norton’s Motherless Brooklyn. In addition to his breakout role in HBO’s The Sopranos, the actor appeared on major television shows like FX’s The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, NBC’s The Blacklist and Law and Order, and, most recently, ABC’s For Life. Siravo was also a regarded member of the Broadway community, starring in The Light in the Piazza and the Jersey Boys national tour.
Siravo passed away at the age of 64 on Sunday, April 11. The star’s manager ATA MGMT confirmed the passing with Screen Rant, citing their client’s lengthy and courageous battle with colon cancer. As the sad news broke, tributes poured in for the beloved talent. His daughter Allegra Okarmus opened up in a now-private Instagram post. BBC reports that she wrote:
“I was by his side when my dear father passed away this morning, peacefully, in his beloved Treehouse… I am so immensely grateful to have had him here on earth and I know that he hasn’t gone very far. He had many credits, but his favorite one by far was that of Nonno Joe.”
More heartbreaking homages to Siravo were shared on social media. His Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli called him “an excellent actor” and all-around “wonderful guy,” saying he will miss him very much. Siravo’s Tony-winning Broadway co-star Kelli O’Hara also sent love, writing in an Instagram caption: “the stage and screen and I will miss you.”
Though Siravo’s legacy stretches through all entertainment mediums, the actor will perhaps most live on through the work he did with his acting students. He was especially passionate about teaching William Shakespeare’s works, a canon which he also earned rave reviews for performing in throughout his career. Siravo is also survived by his daughter Allegra, son-in-law Aaron Okarmus, grandson Atticus Okarmus, sister Maria Siravo, and brothers Mario Siravo, Ernest Siravo, and Michael Siravo. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones. Memorial services for Joseph Siravo are set to be announced at a later date.
