Frank Pellegrino (Frank Joseph Pellegrino)

Frank Pellegrino

Frank Joseph Pellegrino (May 19, 1944 – January 31, 2017) was an American actor and restaurateur. Born in East Harlem, Frank 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 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. Pellegrino appeared in the ‘Pantaleone’s’ episode of Kitchen Nightmares, along with Gordon Ramsay. His television credits also included such series as “New York Undercover”, “Swift Justice”, “Law & Order”, and “Big Apple”. He also had roles in such films as “Goodfellas” (1990), “Manhattan Murder Mystery” (1993), “Copland” (1997), “Mickey Blue Eyes” (1999), and “Happy End” (2003).  Frank Pellegrino died from lung cancer on January 31, 2017 in Manhattan. He was 72.

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Born

  • May, 19, 1944
  • USA
  • East Harlem, New York

Died

  • January, 31, 2017
  • USA
  • Manhattan, New York

Cause of Death

  • lung cancer

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