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.”
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)
Photos: Paul Herman through the years 2009: Actor Paul Herman and singer Kat Kramer attend the after party for the premiere of Fox Searchlight's "Crazy Heart" on December 8, 2009, in Beverly Hills, California. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Photos: Paul Herman through the years 2012: Actors Zoe Saldana, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper and Paul Herman attends the "Silver Linings Playbook" event at Chateau Marmont on December 7, 2012, in Los Angeles. (Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for Weinstein)
Photos: Paul Herman through the years 2012: Actors Josh Brolin and Paul Herman attend the "Silver Linings Playbook" event at Chateau Marmont on December 7, 2012, in Los Angeles. (Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for Weinstein)
Photos: Paul Herman through the years 2013: Actors Dash Mihok, Steve Buscemi and Paul Herman arrive at the 19th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Photos: Paul Herman through the years 2013: Actor Chris Tucker (left) and actor Paul Herman attend the Vanity Fair, Barneys New York and the Weinstein Co. celebration of "Silver Linings Playbook" in support of the Glenholme School on February 20, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Charley Gallay/Getty Images for VF)
Photos: Paul Herman through the years 2014: Actors Shea Whigham, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Elisabeth Rohm, Paul Herman, Alessandro Nivola and Bradley Cooper attend the 19th annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014, in Santa Monica, California. (John Sciulli/Getty Images)
Photos: Paul Herman through the years 2014: Collen Camp, director David O. Russell, Jennifer Lawrence, Paul Herman and Alessandro Nivola attend the 20th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on January 18, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Photos: Paul Herman through the years 2018: Director Richard Stratton and actor Paul Herman attend as A&E hosts an exclusive screening of "Gotti: Godfather & Son" at IFC Center on May 8, 2018, in New York City. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images for A&E Networks)
Photos: Paul Herman through the years 2020: Harvey Keitel, Sandy Powell and Paul Herman attend Ted's 2020 Oscar Nominee Toast at Craig's on February 8, 2020, in West Hollywood, California. (Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Netflix)