Frank Vincent, who is famous in his portrayal as Tony Soprano’s nemesis Phil Leotardo in The Sopranos, died on Wednesday in New Jersey hospital. He was 78.
He died after undergoing an open heart surgery on Wednesday following a heart attack last week, according to TMZ.
Vincent was also notably known for his many mafia roles in Martin Scorsese movies including Raging Bull, Casino, and Goodfellas. His first appearance was in 1976’s crime film The Death Collector, alongside Joe Pesci, E! News reports.
John Gallagher, who worked with the actor in Street Hunter, The Deli, and Animal Room, shared the sad news on his Facebook page, writing a lengthy message to his friend, who worked for over 40 years in the movie industry.
“I could write a book about my times with Frank, all beautiful joyous memories, but today in our grief thoughts race to his beloved wife Kathy and his grown children. Requiescat in pace FV, see ya on the other side, love always JG,” Gallagher concluded his tribute.
Vincent’s co-star in Sopranos, Vincent Pastore, also posted a tribute to the late actor. “He was my mentor, my inspiration. We just lost Frank [.] May he forever rest in peace [.] A great legacy [.] ‘Now get your shine box’…”
Maureen Van Zandt, the wife of the actor’s Sopranos co-star Steven Zandt, tweeted a brief touching post to Vincent.
“Our family will never forget the Leotardo legacy. RIP to an HBO legend, Frank Vincent,” she wrote.
We lost one of our family today. Frank Vincent. Wonderful actor and lovely man. Rest In Peace, Frankie.
— Maureen Van Zandt (@MVZaGoGo) September 13, 2017
