Frank Vincent, who made a career of playing gangsters, died Wednesday during open heart surgery. He was 78.
The actor, who was born Frank Vincent Gattuso Jr., suffered a heart attack last week.
Vincent's best known role was as mob boss Phil Leotardo on The Sopranos. He also played Billy Batts in Goodfellas, where his character is beaten to death by Joe Pesci in one of cinema's most famous scenes. He also had notable parts in Casino, Raging Bull and Do the Right Thing.
Early in their careers, Vincent -- who played drums, among other instruments -- and Pesci were in a band together. (TMZ)