"Big Pussy" Acts His Name

APRIL 5--Actor Vincent Pastore--aka "Big Pussy" from "The Sopranos "--was charged today with assaulting his girlfriend during an argument Saturday afternoon in New York's Little Italy.

According to a Criminal Court complaint, the 58-year-old Pastore battered Lisa Regina while the couple was seated in an automobile on Mott Street. The actor, who was hit with four misdemeanors, allegedly punched Regina in the back of the head, slammed her head into the auto's gear shift, and yanked her out of the car.

As a result of this treatment, investigators charge, Regina, 44, was left bruised, swollen, and in "substantial pain." Pastore's nickname never seemed so apt. (2 pages)