Tony Siragusa, commonly known as Anthony Siragusa Sr., was a professional footballer who died on June 22, 2022, at the age of 55. Siragusa was best recognized for his role as Frankie Cortese in the classic crime drama The Sopranos. Jim Ornstein, Siragusa’s broadcast agency, stated in a statement:
“Today is a really terrible day.” Tony was more than just a customer; he was family. “My heart goes out to Tony’s family.”
Siragusa’s cause of death is unclear, while other stories claim he died in his sleep. His funeral arrangements are still being finalized.
More information about Tony Siragusa’s character from The Sopranos
Tony Siragusa was a superb actor in addition to being a football player. He rose to prominence after appearing in four episodes of the iconic crime drama The Sopranos. Frankie Cortese, his role, was Tony Soprano’s driver and bodyguard. Cortese was the one who held Christopher when he aimed a pistol at Tony in the Bing in one episode, dubbed Irregular Around the Margins.
When Tony Blundetto murdered Billy Leotardo, he joined Tony, Silvio, and Christopher to a heated meeting with Johnny Sack, Phil Leotardo, and Jimmy Petrille. While they were hiding from Phil Leotardo, Tony, Carlo, and others remained at Frankie’s wife’s home.
Twitter users pay tribute
Tony Siragusa, widely known as “The Goose,” had established a household figure during his career as a football player and actor. When word of his death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes:
My dad has called Tony Siragusa a friend for 20+ years. My brother and I first met him in 2003 when he gave us the chance to act in a Halloween segment for The NFL Show. I’ll never forget it. RIP Goose 💔 I’m shocked & heartbroken for his family. Please keep them in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/ywr7PL6PYD
— Julia Palazzo (@JuliaPalazzoTV) June 22, 2022
Tony Siragusa, a defensive anchor on the Ravens’ Super Bowl XXXV team, was 55 and had so much more life to live.
Over the past few months, he celebrated the Ravens’ 🏆, watched his son graduate from Villanova, attended a @NYRangers playoff game and been inducted into a N.J. HOF. pic.twitter.com/uxB69lETZI
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) June 22, 2022
Tony Siragusa career
The Indianapolis Colts signed defensive lineman Tony Siragusa. As a rookie, he appeared in 13 games, starting six, and had one sack, 36 total tackles, and one fumble recovery. He was a key member of the Colts’ squad that lost the AFC Championship Game in 1995. He departed the club when coach Ted Marchibroda offered him a contract with no raises or extensions. Siragusa was a member of the Baltimore Ravens defense in 2000, which allowed the fewest overall points in NFL history during the 16-game season. He was later penalized $10,000 for unlawfully striking Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, injuring him during the 2000 AFC championship game.
He guided the Ravens to their first Super Bowl victory, defeating the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. After retiring at the end of the 2001 season, he worked for Fox as a sideline reporter and commentator for NFL games. He appeared in The Sopranos and the drama picture 25th Hour in 2002. Aside from that, he teamed with Michael Romanelli to develop Tiff’s, a restaurant franchise. He also hosted the Discovery Channel program Mega machines. His wife Kathy and three children – Samantha, Ava, and Anthony Jr. – survive him.
