Vinny Vella, an actor who appeared in “Casino” and other mafia movies, died after a battle with cancer at the age of 72.
His spokesman posted a message online on Feb. 20, confirming his death.
“We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I’m sure that no one is more saddened than himself,” the spokesman wrote, TMZ reported.
Vinny Vella, who starred in "Casino" and several other gangster movies, has died. RIP
由 TMZ 发布于 2019年2月21日周四
“Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen,” he added.
Vinny Vella Jr., his son, told the news outlet that he was suffering from liver cancer.
He played Artie Piscano alongside Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone, and James Woods in “Casino.”
BREAKING Sopranos and Casino star Vinny Vella dies aged 72 https://t.co/O0xoKO9jm7 pic.twitter.com/v5FgVrgyLw
— Mirror Breaking News (@MirrorBreaking_) February 21, 2019
The actor also portrayed character Jimmy Petrille in “The Sopranos” on HBO.
Vella also appeared in De Niro film “Analyze That” and gangster film “Ghost Dog.”
He had roles in Johnny Depp mob film “Donnie Brasco,” “Kissing Jessica Stein,” “Kill the Irishman,” “Mambo Cafe,” mafia film “This Thing of Ours,” and “Find Me Guilty.”
@TheSopranosClub Vinny Vella passed away today. ???? pic.twitter.com/Hhpv8Kx5sg
— Joeg (@joeg414) February 21, 2019
His rep said, “Arguably the fastest on the draw, king of the comebacks. His verbal jousting was legendary but many know Vinny for his favorite saying—’Who’s better than you?’ … We miss you my boy!”
His son also issued a statement, saying, “RIP to my father. I love you so much and I’m so heartbroken. You are no longer in pain—no more suffering pops. I love you.”
TMZ reported he’s survived by his wife and son.
It’s seeming like every day I’m losing someone… today I say goodbye to one of the greats, my friend Vinny Vella. Anyone that knew Vin will remember his trademark line, ‘Who’s better than you!’ I’ll miss you brutha… Rest easy. #RIPVinnyVella #VinnyVella #VinnyVellaSr #Sopranos pic.twitter.com/KJC4f7nKNr
— Brimstone™ (@entrancetohell) February 21, 2019
For a time, he hosted a public-access TV show in New York City.
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From The Epoch Times
