Frank Pellegrino (actor)

Frank Joseph Pellegrino (May 19, 1944 – January 31, 2017) was an American actor and restaurateur.[1]

Frank Pellegrino
Born
Frank Joseph Pellegrino

(1944-05-19)May 19, 1944
East Harlem, New York, U.S.
DiedJanuary 31, 2017(2017-01-31) (aged 72)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)Actor, restaurateur
Years active1989–2015

Early life and education

Born in East Harlem on May 19, 1944, to father Frank, a truck driver, and mother, Ida (née Puccillo), a seamstress, Pellegrino graduated from Oceanside High School and Pace College (now Pace University).[2]

Career

Pellegrino has often acted in law and gangster-themed film and television productions. He was a member of an early 1960s singing group called the Holidaes. Notable acting roles include Johnny Dio in Goodfellas, assorted appearances on Dick Wolf's Law & Order, and FBI Chief Frank Cubitoso on The Sopranos.

Pellegrino was a co-owner of the restaurant Rao's in New York City. Books written by Pellegrino include Rao's Cookbook, Rao's Recipes from the Neighborhood and Rao's on the Grill. He also produced the CD An Evening at Rao's, featuring music from Rao's jukebox.

Death

Pellegrino died from lung cancer on January 31, 2017 in Manhattan. He was 72.[3]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
1990 Goodfellas Johnny Dio
1993 Manhattan Murder Mystery Policeman
1993 Mr. Wonderful Man In Elevator
1994 Angie Uncle Marty
1994 It Could Happen to You Water's Edge Maitre D'
1995 Tarantella Lou
1997 Silent Predator Frank Cardelli
1997 Cop Land The Mayor
1998 Celebrity Frankie
1999 Mickey Blue Eyes Sante
1999 18 Shades of Dust Eddie Baggs
2001 Friends & Family Mr. Torcelli
2001 Knockaround Guys Joey Hook
2003 Happy End Bernie
2005 Searching for Bobby D John Argano Sr.
2005 Brooklyn Lobster Judge Astarita
2005 Carlito's Way: Rise to Power Crooning Wiseguy
2006 Artie Lange's Beer League Gina's Dad
2012 Delivering the Goods Mr. Quentin

Television
Year Title Role Notes
1990 Kojak: None So Blind Bamonte Television film
1993 Love, Honor & Obey: The Last Mafia Marriage Johnny
1994–1995 New York Undercover Detective Ricciarelli 16 episodes
1995 The City Joseph Soleito Sr. 1 episode
1995-1999 Law & Order Tony / Mr. Contini 2 episodes
1996 On Seventh Avenue Romeo Vega, Attorney Television film
1996 Swift Justice Carruthers 4 episodes
1996 Gotti Carmine "Baby Carmine" Russo Television film
1997 F/X: The Series Vincent Capriccio Episode: "Unfinished Business"
1998 Rear Window Physical Therapist Television film
1999–2004 The Sopranos Frank Cubitoso 11 episodes
2001 Big Apple Howard Klein 5 episodes
2002 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Carl Pettijohn Episode: "Homo Homini Lupus"
2015 Odd Mom Out Ronaldo Episode: "Wheels Down"

References
  1. Roberts, Sam (February 1, 2017). "Frank Pellegrino Sr., 72, Is Dead; Proudly Rebuffed Would-Be Diners at Rao's". The New York Times. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
  2. Roberts, Sam (February 1, 2017). "Frank Pellegrino Sr., 72, Is Dead; Proudly Rebuffed Would-Be Diners at Rao's". The New York Times. Retrieved May 6, 2019.
  3. "Rao's owner Frank Pellegrino dead at 72". New York Daily News. January 31, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
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