Frank Pellegrino

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

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).

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.

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 Video 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 1991 Counterstrike Luca Episode: "Going Home" 1993 Love, Honor & Obey: The Last Mafia Marriage Johnny Television film 1994–1995 New York Undercover Detective Ricciarelli 16 episodes 1995 The City Joseph Soleito Sr. 7 episodes 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"