Paul Herman, ‘The Sopranos, ‘Goodfellas’ actor, dead at 76

Actor Paul Herman, known for playing club owner Peter “Beansie” Gaeta on “The Sopranos,” died Tuesday. He was 76.

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Herman was also known for his roles in mob movies like “Goodfellas” and “The Irishman,” Entertainment Weekly reported. A cause of death has not been released.

Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti on “The Sopranos,” announced Herman’s death in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

“Our friend and colleague Paul Herman has passed away. Paulie was just a great dude,” Imperioli wrote. “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.

“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. Lots of love to his family, friends and our community of actors and filmmakers.”

Herman appeared in five episodes of “The Sopranos” as Beansie, a former drug dealer and associate of the DiMeo crime family,” Variety reported. He appeared in three episodes in the HBO series’ second season and made guest appearances in the fourth and sixth seasons, the entertainment site reported.

Herman’s signature scene on “The Sopranos” occurred when he was attacked by Richie Aprile, his former friend, who throws a pot of coffee on him and runs him over with a car, according to Variety.

“We are deeply saddened at the loss of our beloved Paul Herman,” Herman’s representative, T Keaton-Woods, said in a statement. “A true character on and off screen. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and we will always remember the sound of his laughter and bold spirit. We ask that you respect the privacy of the family at this time.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 29, 1946, Herman made his film debut in 1982 when he appeared in “Dear Mr. Wonderful” with Joe Pesci, Entertainment Weekly reported.

Herman also appeared in “American Hustle” (2013), “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012) and “Heat” (1995), according to IMDb.com.

Actress Lorraine Bracco tweeted about Herman’s death writing: “The one & only, A loving soul with a great sense of humor, Paulie Herman. REST IN PEACE.”

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Photos: Paul Herman through the years Actor Paul Herman, known for playing club owner Peter “Beansie” Gaeta on “The Sopranos,” died Tuesday, March 29, 2022. He was 76. Here are some memorable photos from his career. (Christopher Polk/Getty Images)

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