The Massachusetts-born, New Jersey-bred actor made a name for himself playing notoriously tough characters, like Billy Batts in “Goodfellas” and Frank Marino in “Casino.”But his most famous role came as Leotardo, the nemesis of Tony Soprano on HBO’s hit crime drama. Vincent portrayed the ruthless Leotardo for 31 episodes, starting in Season 5 and wrapping up with the show’s 2007 finale.Vincent said in 2009 that he understood that with his Italian-American heritage came the tendency for stereotypes, which were reinforced with his role on “The Sopranos”.
Frank Vincent, who was best known for his role on “The Sopranos” as eventual Lupertazzi family boss Phil Leotardo, died Wednesday during open heart surgery, TMZ reports. He was 78.
The Massachusetts-born, New Jersey-bred actor made a name for himself playing notoriously tough characters, like Billy Batts in “Goodfellas” and Frank Marino in “Casino.”
But his most famous role came as Leotardo, the nemesis of Tony Soprano on HBO’s hit crime drama. Vincent portrayed the ruthless Leotardo for 31 episodes, starting in Season 5 and wrapping up with the show’s 2007 finale.
Vincent said in 2009 that he understood that with his Italian-American heritage came the tendency for stereotypes, which were reinforced with his role on “The Sopranos.”
Frank Vincent, Joseph Gannascoli and James Gandolfini in an episode of “The Sopranos.” Vincent died during open heart surgery.
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