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
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 robberies, ripping off bookmakers, and numerous assaults and street fights, which eventually led to him being shot and serving time in prison.
