Frank Vincent may not be a household name, but he is the type of actor who is immediately recognizable when you see his face. Though Vincent isn't known for any lead roles in blockbuster films or hit TV series, he always brought a patented tough-guy bravado to the screen as a character actor. He was a seamless fit in many mobster movies and TV shows, such as "Goodfellas" and "The Sopranos," over the past several decades. Unfortunately, Frank Vincent passed away Wednesday at the age of 80.
Vincent's death
According to ABC 2 News, Vincent's family has stated that he died peacefully on Wednesday, September 13.
The cause of death has yet to be revealed, but Vincent had reportedly suffered a recent heart attack. He leaves behind his wife Kathleen and three children. Though initial reports stated that Vincent was 78 years old, his family told the Associated Press that he was 80.
According to IMDb, Vincent was slated to play roles in five upcoming projects—among them were "The Italy Boys," currently in pre-production and expected to star Tom Sizemore and Danny Aiello, and "Asbury Park," also in pre-production and expected to feature Vincent's former frequent cast-mate and close friend Joe Pesci. Those films will be hard-pressed to find replacements who can fill Vincent's shoes.
Another film in which Vincent was expected to play a role was "Sarah Q," directed and co-written by Vincent's friend John Gallagher.
Longtime friends, Vincent and Gallagher started working together back on 1990's "Street Hunter." They collaborated on a number of other projects as well, including "The Deli" and "Animal Room."
Gallagher posted an emotional message on Facebook describing his relationship with Vincent:
Vincent's legacy
Vincent was perhaps best known for his role as Phil Leotardo on HBO's hit series "The Sopranos," which can now probably be considered an all-time classic and could be in line for a prequel.
According to Gallagher, Vincent was "heartbroken" that he didn't get the role of Uncle Junior, the uncle of the show's main character, Tony Soprano. Vincent had to wait a few years, but he eventually landed the great role of Leotardo in Season 5. Leotardo would end up playing a key role in the series.
Vincent will also be remembered for his frequent collaborations with the great director Martin Scorsese.
He would play his typical mobster role in Scorsese films and was perhaps most memorable when getting under the skin of hotheaded Joe Pesci characters. Whether it was Salvy Batts spending too much time with Joey LaMotta's sister-in-law in "Raging Bull" or Billy Batts pestering Tommy DeVito in "GoodFellas" about his history as a shoeshine boy, Vincent always had a knack for playing the man who would set off Pesci's characters, and the two actors had some phenomenal scenes together.
Vincent even had a memorable bit role in the great Spike Lee comedy-drama "Do the Right Thing," playing a man in a diverse Brooklyn neighborhood who just wants to keep his prized convertible dry.
Though he did not receive his first acting credit until he was in his late 30s in 1976, when he played a role in "The Death Collector" alongside Pesci, Vincent was still able to make his mark on film and television, playing tough-guy characters as well as anybody. Thanks to his exceptional work in fantastic films and TV series, Vincent's legacy will live on indefinitely.
