Alex Rocco, Star of 'The Godfather,' Dies at 79 ~ amazing movies

Alex Rocco, a veteran character actor most famous for starring in Hollywood classic "The Godfather," has died. He was 79.

Rocco's daughter, Jennifer Rocco, revealed the actor's passing in a series of Facebook posts, writing that her father passed away on July 18 after a long, private battle with cancer. Jennifer Rocco thanked his fans for their support, writing, "I know he is watching over us."

Alex Rocco's prolific career spanned decades, but the actor became synonymous with "The Godfather," the 1972 Oscar-winning film in which he played casino owner Moe Greene. In a 2012 interview with The A.V. Club, Rocco said that that role was "without a doubt, my biggest ticket anywhere. I mean that literally."

Rocco parlayed that fame into a lengthy, eclectic resume in both film and television. He starred most recently on Starz series "Magic City," "Episodes," and "Maron," and also appeared on shows including "The Simpsons," "The Facts of Life," the 1960s "Batman" series, and "The George Carlin Show," among many others. He won an Emmy in 1990 for best supporting actor in a comedy series for "The Famous Teddy Z."

His multiple film credits included "Motorpsycho!," "Detroit 9000," "Hearts of the West," "Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins," "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre," "The Friends of Eddie Coyle," "Rabbit Test," "Herbie Goes Bananas," "Get Shorty," "That Thing You Do!," "A Bug's Life," "The Wedding Planner," and "Smokin' Aces."

Rocco is survived by his wife, Shannon; two sons; two daughters; and four grandchildren.

[via: Jennifer Rocco, The Hollywood Reporter]

Photo credit: Associated Press

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