Every Notable ‘Goodfellas’ Actor Who Died

‘Goodfellas’ brought together a massive ensemble, and over the years many of its familiar faces have passed away. This roundup focuses on notable cast members who appeared in the film and are no longer with us, along with the roles they played and the essentials about their lives and careers. It is meant as a quick reference for fans who want to remember the people behind these characters and where their journeys ended.

Ray Liotta

Ray Liotta played Henry Hill, the narrator who guides viewers through the rise and fall of life in the mob. He died on May 26, 2022 in the Dominican Republic at age 67 while working on a film. Authorities listed atherosclerotic disease as contributing to his death. Liotta left behind a career that included ‘Field of Dreams’ and later projects like ‘Black Bird’.

Paul Sorvino

Paul Sorvino portrayed Paulie Cicero, the quiet boss who set the rules. He died on July 25, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida at age 83. The cause was reported as natural causes. Sorvino’s long career spanned film, television, and stage, and he was also known for his work on ‘Law & Order’.

Frank Vincent

Frank Vincent played Billy Batts, whose return from prison triggers a pivotal act of violence. He died on September 13, 2017 in New Jersey at age 80 after complications following heart surgery. Vincent was a frequent collaborator with Martin Scorsese and later appeared as Phil Leotardo on ‘The Sopranos’. His voice work in the ‘Grand Theft Auto’ series also reached a wide audience.

Tony Sirico

Tony Sirico appeared as Tony Stacks in the Bamboo Lounge scenes. He died on July 8, 2022 at age 79 in Florida. Sirico had been diagnosed with dementia in his final years. Beyond ‘Goodfellas’ he became widely recognized as Paulie Walnuts on ‘The Sopranos’.

Chuck Low

Chuck Low played Morrie Kessler, the wig shop owner whose ads everyone remembers. He died on September 18, 2017 in Allendale, New Jersey at age 89. Low had a long friendship with Robert De Niro and worked in real estate before acting. His other films included ‘The King of Comedy’ and ‘Sleepers’.

Frank DiLeo

Frank DiLeo portrayed Tuddy Cicero, Paulie’s brother who manages crew business. He died on August 24, 2011 in Ohio at age 63. DiLeo was best known in the music world as Michael Jackson’s manager during key periods. His on screen presence in ‘Goodfellas’ became a memorable piece of the film’s inner circle.

Tony Lip

Tony Lip appeared as Frankie The Wop during the crew’s Copacabana and neighborhood scenes. He died on January 4, 2013 in Teaneck, New Jersey at age 82. Born Frank Vallelonga, he later gained fame as Carmine Lupertazzi on ‘The Sopranos’. His life story inspired the film ‘Green Book’ written by his son Nick Vallelonga.

Gina Mastrogiacomo

Gina Mastrogiacomo played Janice Rossi, Henry’s mistress whose apartment becomes a flashpoint. She died on May 2, 2001 in California at age 39 from a bacterial heart infection. Mastrogiacomo worked in film and television through the 1990s. Her energetic performance in ‘Goodfellas’ remains one of her best known roles.

Paul Herman

Paul Herman is credited as Dealer during Henry’s late period scenes. He died on March 29, 2022 in New York at age 76. Herman worked steadily with directors like Scorsese and appeared in ‘The Irishman’ and ‘American Hustle’. Television viewers also remember him as Beansie Gaeta on ‘The Sopranos’.

Frank Adonis

Frank Adonis played Anthony Stabile, part of the crew around the Lufthansa aftermath. He died on December 26, 2018 in Las Vegas at age 83 after a long illness. Adonis had roles in several Scorsese films including ‘Raging Bull’. He continued acting into the 2000s across film and television.

Catherine Scorsese

Catherine Scorsese appears as Tommy’s mother in the late night dinner scene. She died on January 6, 1997 in New York City at age 84. Known for cameos in many of her son’s films, she also published a family cookbook. Her ‘Goodfellas’ scene was largely improvised and became a fan favorite.

Charles Scorsese

Charles Scorsese plays Vinnie, seen cooking in prison and within Paulie’s circle. He died on August 23, 1993 in New York City at age 80. Like his wife, he often appeared in small roles in his son’s films. His presence added authenticity to the film’s family atmosphere.

Henny Youngman

Henny Youngman appears as himself performing in the Copacabana sequence. He died on February 24, 1998 in New York City at age 91 from complications of pneumonia. Known as the King of the One Liners, he performed for decades on stage and television. His cameo captured the era’s nightclub culture that the film depicts.

Jerry Vale

Jerry Vale appears as himself singing during the club scenes. He died on May 18, 2014 in Palm Desert, California at age 83. Vale was a popular crooner in the 1950s and 1960s and his recordings are used throughout Scorsese’s films. He also made a similar cameo in ‘Casino’.

Suzanne Shepherd

Suzanne Shepherd played Karen’s mother, whose house becomes a safe haven for a time. She died on November 17, 2023 in New York at age 89. Shepherd worked in film and television and was also a respected acting teacher and theater director. Audiences later recognized her as Mary DeAngelis on ‘The Sopranos’.

Frank Pellegrino

Frank Pellegrino portrayed Johnny Dio, connected to the world around Paulie and Jimmy. He died on January 31, 2017 in Manhattan at age 72 after a battle with lung cancer. Pellegrino co owned Rao’s in Harlem and authored cookbooks tied to the restaurant. He also played FBI Chief Frank Cubitoso on ‘The Sopranos’.

If we missed someone you think belongs here, share your thoughts in the comments so we can keep this remembrance complete.