Frank Vincent, known for his role as mob boss Phil Leotardo on The Sopranos and character roles in many Martin Scorsese films, has died.
The actor suffered a heart attack last week. The Guardian reports that the actor passed away while undergoing an open heart surgery on September 13 at a hospital in New Jersey.
His family issued a statement via a publicist this afternoon: “Legendary actor and accomplished musician Frank Vincent has passed away peacefully at the age of 80 surrounded by his family on September 13, 2017. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
Born in North Adams, Massachusetts and raised in New Jersey, Vincent was known for his ability to shine in even the smallest of character roles. He was cast by Scorsese in Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Casino. As Billy Batts in Goodfellas, he delivered a dialogue (“Go home and get your f*ckin’ shinebox”) that would go on to be iconic and acquire cult status.
He also appeared in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever and played a detective in the 2008 indie The Tested. He had a cameo role in 2009’s Stargate Atlantis.
Vincent co-wrote a book, A Guy’s Guide to Being a Man’s Man, in 2006.
Fans took to social media to mourn his death.
I hope when Frank Vincent goes to heaven he'll tell Jesus to "go get your shine box# #goodfellas #sopranos #casino #RIPFrankVincent pic.twitter.com/duYovPpCEP
— gestalt thinker (@ehondaslaps) September 13, 2017
RIP to the GOAT Frank Vincent aka Phil Leotardo pic.twitter.com/OGUC7BY84v
— Cut Ziti (@EsWookieGrande) September 13, 2017
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
RIP Frank Vincent. May he go to that home in the sky and get his fucking heavenly shinebox. pic.twitter.com/gtJXhG17xK
— Slade (@Slade) September 13, 2017
R.I.P. the great Frank Vincent. I often think of this promo photo of the band that Frank & Joe Pesci played in during the '70s. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/jaz2XVvHIa
— Bob Mehr (@BobMehr) September 13, 2017
RIP Frank Vincent, who delivered one of the best movie lines of all time: Now go home and get your shinebox pic.twitter.com/ezJwKD0osv
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) September 13, 2017
Image Courtesy: Mubi
