No "Dancing" for "Sopranos" Star

Despite his role as Big Pussy on "The Sopranos," apparently Vincent Pastore wants to prove he's not a, well, you know...

Pastore just announced that he is pulling out of next season's "Dancing With the Stars." It had nothing to do with his tough-guy image; apparently the big guy couldn't keep up with the training sessions. The actor had a heart operation about two years ago, and despite losing almost 30 pounds on VH-1's "Celebrity Fit Club," he couldn't keep up with the physical demands of the show.

According to IMDB.com, Pastore has plenty to keep him busy. He's got six projects coming up soon.

The fourth season of "Dancing With the Stars" includes boxer Laila Ali, country star Billy Ray Cyrus, NBA legend Clyde Drexler, * NSYNC'er Joey Fatone, former Miss USA Shandi Finnessey, talk-show personality Leeza Gibbons, former Mrs. Paul McCartney Heather Mills, Olympian Apolo Anton Ohno, supermodel Paulina Porizkova, and former 90210'er Ian Ziering.

The show premieres Monday, March 19 at 8:00 p.m. (EST) on ABC. -- Rachel Cericola