The Sopranos to "going straight" (to Tony's dismay), but also has an intense violent streak. Those in Tony's closest circle within the DiMeo crime family include Silvio Dante (Steven Van Zandt). Silvio is Tony's consigliere and best friend. He runs the family's strip club headquarters, and other businesses. Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri (Tony Sirico), a tough, short-tempered, aging soldier who is fiercely loyal to Tony and Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero (Vincent Pastore), a veteran gangster who runs an automotive body shop. Paulie "Walnuts" and "Big Pussy" (often called just, "Pussy") have worked with Tony and his father. Also in Tony's criminal organization are:
Paulie Gualtieri later revealed, Paulie is outspoken in his condemnation and desire to see Vito killed. When Vito returns after months in hiding, Tony considers his proposal of setting up business in Atlantic City with Silvio in front of Paulie; Paulie remains quiet, but leaves the room in apparent protest. Tony largely decides to have Vito killed because Paulie's attitude mirrors the lack of respect his underlings would feel for him letting Vito live free, although Phil Leotardo makes it a moot point when members of his family beat Vito to death. In "The Fleshy Part of the Thigh," Paulie learns that