Farewell Tony “Paulie Wallnuts” Sirico. A true icon of prestige TV.

This news didn't come as a huge surprise. It had been known that The Sopranos actor Tony Sirico had been ill for some time, with a reported case of dementia. But still, to see it confirmed...

As Paulie Wallnuts, Sirico was the first break-out star on The Sopranos. He had a certain sense about him - an intoxicating blend of danger and foolishness. One of TV's true loveable dirtbags!

Acting was a second career for Sirico. Before getting on-screen roles, Sirico had been an actual mobster, serving multiple prison sentences.

Here's The Sopranos creator David Chase:

“Tony was a jewel. The way Buddhists refer to a jewel — supernatural and a master. But certainly not a Zen master. He was so uproarious, so funny, so talented. I’m very happy for him that in his mid-50s and 60s he finally learned how talented and loved he was. I was just thinking about him yesterday, strangely enough, and was reminded that he was a main reason for the success of The Sopranos. I will miss him greatly, Gennaro. As will the world.”

When I heard that he passed away, I took some time over the weekend to watch The Sopranos episode Pine Barrens - not only the best Paulie Wallnuts episode, but almost certainly the best episode of the entire series.

Here is his obit from THR:

The best writing about Sirico from the weekend was Justin Sayles at The Ringer who went in deep to discuss Sirico, his career, and, yes... those silver wings.

Be careful what you wish for...

A good year or so ago I had an idea that I shared with you all. It was a good idea then and it still holds: Someone should bring back The Golden Girls as an animated show. The idea would be to create the show as it previously looked and felt, only animated. There would be more liberty with sets and they would be able to move around more than a traditional filmed sitcom provides. But it would be the same show.

Animator Mike Hollingsworth also believes it is a good idea to bring the Golden Girls back as an animated series. Only he wants to f**k with it and set it in the future.

Here's his vision for Golden Girls 3033:

You can read more about his idea:

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