Alex Rocco – the actor best known for his performance as Moe Greene in the 1972 classic The Godfather – has passed away at the age of 79. Rocco’s daughter broke the news to fans on her Facebook page last night. No cause of death has been given. In addition to his small but memorable performance as a sleazy tycoon in Francis Ford Coppola’s beloved mob epic, Greene will be remembered for his long career as a revered character actor, during which he racked up more than 160 credits. Rocco won an Emmy for his role on the short-lived 1990 Jon Cryer sitcom, Famous Teddy Z. His famous, gravelly voice is recognizable to Simpsons fans as that of Itchy & Scratchy producer Roger Myer Jr. During his fifty years in the industry, Rocco also made appearances on such popular series as The Rockford Files, Starsky and Hutch, The Facts of Life, Private Practice and Episodes. Throughout his long career, Rocco never complained of being typecast as a tough-talking mobster. In fact, it’s a role he spent much of his early life preparing for. Prior to moving to Hollywood to pursue acting, Rocco had loose ties to the Boston mob and even spent some time in prison. He happily discussed his troubled youth in interviews and often said it was instrumental in helping to shape his onscreen persona. Several celebrities have already paid tribute to Rocco on social media, and he’ll be remembered by many as one of the most colorful character actors in film history. Rocco is survived by his, actress Shannon Wilcox, as well as, daughter, son and one grandson. Click through our gallery below for a full list of celebrities we’ve lost in 2015 . View Slideshow: Celebrities We Lost in 2015
Follow this link:
Alex Rocco Dies; Godfather Actor Was 79
