Vincent Pastore (far right) starred in The Sopranos from 1999-2000

Mr Pastore, 58, was charged with two counts of assault, and one count each of attempted assault and harassment.

Prosecutor James Zaleta alleged Mr Pastore punched girlfriend Lisa Regina in the head in an incident in New York's Little Italy area on Saturday.

Mr Pastore has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial was set for 5 May.

Mr Pastore, who played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero in the mob drama, was released on $1,000 bail and barred from having any contact with Ms Regina.

Mr Zaleta told the court on Tuesday that a fight broke out between Mr Pastore and Ms Regina in the actor's car on Saturday, and he began yelling and punching her.

"He then grabbed her hair and forced her head between the two seats in the front and hit her in the right eye," said Mr Zaleta.

In a further tussle, Ms Regina "lost her balance and fell out onto the street, hitting the pavement." Mr Pastore left her lying in the street, Mr Zaleta said.

Filming on the sixth series of The Sopranos, which began in 1999 and became the most successful US cable TV series, is due to begin later this year.