American actor, comedian and talk show host, Vinny Vella, is dead.

The actor, who is widely known for starring in Sopranos and Casino, died at the age of 72 after battling liver cancer.

Vella’s rep, who announced his death in a message late Wednesday night, wrote;

“We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I’m sure that no one is more saddened than himself. Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen.”

Vella’s son, Vinny Vella Jr. confirmed his cause of death is liver cancer.

Vella was best known for playing Italian gangster characters. His acting credits include appearances in Find Me Guilty, In the Cut and Law and Order.

Born Vincent Frank Vella on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village New York City, on . Vella’s father was from Bari, Italy and his mother was from Naples, Italy.

He was married to Margaret Ann Hernandez; they had one son, Vincent Vella, Jr.