Born: April 15, 1937 – Died: September 13, 2017
Born on April 15, 1937, in North Adams, Massachusetts, Frank Vincent was a versatile actor, musician, and comedian who left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Raised in the Greenville section of Jersey City, New Jersey, Frank's early passion for music, fostered at St. Pauls Grammar School, led him to become a skilled drummer. However, it was his father who introduced him to the dramatic arts, setting him on a path to a remarkable acting career. Frank Vincent's legacy spans over fifty movies, and he is best known for his iconic roles in crime films like "Goodfellas." His talents earned him accolades, including Italian American Entertainer of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Frank Vincent's career is a testament to his enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Frank Vincent's childhood in Jersey City, New Jersey, was shaped by his early love for music and his father's influence in introducing him to acting. Although there is no information available about his university education or major, Frank's journey in the entertainment industry began with his passion for drumming and acting.
He made his debut in front of the camera in the low-budget film, "The Death Collector," in 1975. However, it was his collaboration with acclaimed director Martin Scorsese that truly launched his career. His role as the insolent Salvi in "Raging Bull" and, more notably, as Billy Batts in "Goodfellas," where he delivered the memorable line "Go home and get your shine box," gained him widespread recognition and set the stage for his success.
Over the years, Frank Vincent's exceptional acting skills earned him numerous awards, including the Italian American Entertainer of the Year Award. He was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Back East Picture Show.
In his personal life, Frank was married to Katherine and had three children, including a son named Anthony Vincent. Besides his acting talents, he was an accomplished drummer and even played with Bruce Willis' band at the Borgata Hotel.
While Frank Vincent may not be considered a Hollywood icon or legend in the traditional sense, his distinctive presence in crime films and his ability to portray characters with an extreme capacity for violence made him stand out in the industry. His impact on the entertainment world is undeniable, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that continue to resonate with audiences.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | The Killer's Kiss | Michael Gazzo |
| 2017 | Neo Yokio (TV Series) | Uncle Albert (voice) |
| 2014–2016 | Mr. Pickles (TV Series) | Jon Gabagooli (voice) |
| 2016 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series) | Bishop Cattalano |
| 2011 | Spy | Gaetano |
| 2010 | Exit 102 (Short) | Charlie Trimboli |
| 2010 | Stiffs | Jimmy the Limo King |
| 2010 | The Tested | Lieutenant Marino |
| 2009 | Chicago Overcoat | Lou Marazano |
| 2008 | Stargate: Atlantis (TV Series) | Poker Player #1 |
| 2007 | Lucky Man (Video) | Paulie |
| 2004–2007 | The Sopranos (TV Series) | Phil Leotardo |
| 2007 | City Teacher | Unknown |
| 2006 | The Last Request | Father Brice |
| 2005 | Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (Video Game) | Salvatore Leone (voice) |
| 2005 | Van Vorst Park | Carlo |
| 2005 | Remedy | Uncle Charles |
| 2004 | Coalition | Alvaro |
| 2004 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - The Introduction (Video) | Salvatore Leone (voice, uncredited) |
| 2004 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Video Game) | Salvatore Leone (voice) |
| 2004 | Shark Tale | Great White #3 (voice) |
| 2004 | Nas: Video Anthology Vol. 1 (Video) | Frank (segment "Street Dreams") |
| 2003 | Remembering Mario | Joey Big Ears |
| 2003 | A Tale of Two Pizzas | Frank Bianco |
| 2003 | Rubout (TV Movie) | Frank Santello |
| 2002 | Hype Williams: The Videos, Vol. 1 (Video) | Frank (segment "Street Dreams") |
| 2002 | Hamlet in the Hamptons | Michael |
| 2002 | This Thing of Ours | Danny Santini |
| 2001 | Grand Theft Auto III (Video Game) | Don Salvatore Leone (voice) |
| 2001 | Snipes | Johnnie Marandino |
| 2001 | Smokin' Stogies | Johnny Big |
| 2000 | De La Soul Feat. Chaka Khan: All Good? (Music Video) | Man in Phone Booth |
| 2000 | The Crew | Marty |
| 2000 | NYPD Blue (TV Series) | Dino Ferrera | Dino 'The Rat' Ferrera |
| 2000 | Ropewalk | Unknown |
| 2000 | Gun Shy | Carmine Minetti |
| 2000 | Isn't She Great | Aristotle Onassis |
| 1999 | If You Only Knew | Gino |
| 1999 | Penance (Short) | Suicide Man |
| 1999 | Under Hellgate Bridge | Big Sal |
| 1999 | Entropy | Sal |
| 1991–1999 | Law & Order (TV Series) | John Franchetta | J.Z. |
| 1999 | NetForce (TV Movie) | Johnny Stompato |
| 1998 | Vig (TV Movie) | Pete |
| 1998 | Belly | Roger |
| 1998 | Undercurrent | Eddie Torelli |
| 1998 | Witness to the Mob (TV Movie) | Frankie DeCicco |
| 1997 | Made Men | Tommy 'The Bull' Vitaglia |
| 1997 | The Good Life | Unknown |
| 1997 | The Deli | Tommy Tomatoes |
| 1997 | The North End | Dom Di Bella |
| 1997 | Cop Land | PDA President Lassaro |
| 1997 | Grind | Nick |
| 1996–1997 | New York Undercover (TV Series) | Bates | Ray Tarrafino |
| 1997 | Cosby (TV Series) | Dorothy's Husband |
| 1996 | West New York | Tom Colletti |
| 1996 | Nas: Street Dreams (Music Video) | Mobster |
| 1996 | Night Falls on Manhattan | Captain |
| 1996 | Gotti (TV Movie) | Robert DiBernardo |
| 1996 | She's The One | Ron |
| 1996 | Swift Justice (TV Series) | Tony Accardo |
| 1996 | On Seventh Avenue (TV Movie) | Angelo Occipente |
| 1995 | Animal Room | Arcade Owner |
| 1995 | Casino | Frank Marino |
| 1995 | Ten Benny | Ray Diglovanni, Sr. |
| 1994 | Hand Gun | Earl |
| 1994 | Walker, Texas Ranger (TV Series) | Paul Mancini |
| 1994 | Federal Hill | Sal |
| 1994 | Men Lie | Uncle Frank |
| 1993 | The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (TV Series) | John Torrio |
| 1992 | Civil Wars (TV Series) | Matty DiNofrio |
| 1991 | Dead and Alive: The Race for Gus Farace (TV Movie) | Joseph F. Zanni Jr. |
| 1991 | Jungle Fever | Mike Tucci |
| 1991 | Mortal Thoughts | Dominic Marino |
| 1990 | Street Hunter | Don Mario Romano |
| 1990 | Goodfellas | Billy Batts |
| 1989 | The Afterlife of Grandpa (Short) | Vinny Valenti |
| 1989 | The Paradise Club (TV Series) | Walter MacHeath |
| 1989 | Last Exit to Brooklyn | Priest |
| 1989 | Do the Right Thing | Charlie |
| 1988 | Lou, Pat & Joe D | Pop Corelli |
| 1987 | Leg Work (TV Series) | Detective |
| 1987 | Made in Argentina | Unknown |
| 1986 | Wise Guys | Louie Fontucci |
| 1985 | Stiffs | Mafia Thug |
| 1984 | The Pope of Greenwich Village | 1st Crew Chief |
| 1983 | Easy Money | Mobster Dressed in Trenchcoat (uncredited) |
| 1983 | Baby It's You | Vinnie |
| 1982 | Dear Mr. Wonderful | Louie |
| 1980 | Raging Bull | Salvy |
| 1976 | The Death Collector | Bernie Feldshuh |
General:
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