Frank Vincent of 'The Sopranos' and 'Goodfellas' Dies at 78

One of the more prominent big fishes of New York gangster films has passed away today. Frank Vincent, who rose to fame by starring in these movies, has died at the age of 78. Vincent was well-known for his iconic roles in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” and “Casino,” as well as in the later seasons of “The Sopranos.”
In a report by TMZ, Vincent’s tragic passing came following complications from a heart procedure after a heart attack. DIrector John Gallagher of “Street Hunter” and “The Deli” also posted the news on his Facebook page.

Frank Vincent: a huge loss for the American Gangster film genre

Vincent (Frank Vincent Gattuso, Jr.) was born in North Adams, MA in 1939. However, he was raised in Jersey City, NJ and originally wanted to be a musician. He began acting in the 70’s. His first foray into the mob movie genre was in “The Death Collector,” where he starred alongside Joe Pesci. The next role that he did went on to become a film classic—”Raging Bull” by Martin Scorsese. In it, Vincent appeared with Pesci and Robert De Niro.
Throughout the 80’s, Vincent starred in various gangster films and in other genres as well. Among his notable films include “Wise Guys,” “The Pope of Greenwich Village,” and “Last Exit To Brooklyn.” He also had a small role in Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” and another role in “Jungle Fever.” Vincent’s most iconic role would probably be as the gangster Billy Batts in “Goodfellas.” Among his classic scenes were done with Pesci, in which he did the famous “Go get your shine box” scene.
In 2006, Vincent co-wrote the book “A Guy’s Guide to Being a Man’s Man.” More recently, he starred in the film “Chicago” overcoat and had a small cameo in an episode of “Stargate Atlantis.”