Frank Vincent Gattuso Jr., known professionally as Frank Vincent, was born on April 15, 1937, in North Adams, Massachusetts. Though some records list 1939 as his birth year, his family and most official sources confirm 1937. He was of Italian descent, with roots tracing back to Sicily and Naples.
He spent much of his childhood in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he grew up in a working-class family. His father, Frank Vincent Sr., worked as an ironworker and businessman, while his mother Mary cared for the home. Vincent had two brothers, Nick and Jimmy, and a half-sister, Fran.
Even as a child, Frank Vincent showed a strong love for music. He learned piano, trumpet, and drums at a young age. By his teenage years, he was already performing in drum and bugle corps, showing both talent and discipline that would later serve him in entertainment.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Frank Vincent Gattuso Jr. |
|---|---|
| Known As | Frank Vincent |
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | North Adams, Massachusetts, USA |
| Died | September 13, 2017 (aged 80) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian (Sicilian and Neapolitan roots) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Family | Wife: Kathleen Vincent; Children: Anthony, Debra, Maria |
| Siblings | Brothers: Nick, Jimmy; Half-sister: Fran |
| Profession | Actor, Musician, Author, Voice Actor |
| Famous For | Goodfellas, Casino, The Sopranos |
| Net Worth | Approx. $3 million (2017) |
Physical Appearance and Personality
Frank Vincent stood at around 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall. With his sharp eyes, slicked-back hair, and strong presence, he carried a look that naturally fit the roles of gangsters and authority figures he became famous for.
Colleagues often described him as warm, witty, and professional off-screen. Despite his tough-guy image in films, he was approachable and respected in real life. His personality balanced charm with confidence, making him memorable both on set and in social circles.
From Music to Acting
Before finding fame in acting, Frank Vincent pursued a career in music. He was a skilled drummer, pianist, and trumpet player, and worked as a studio musician backing singers such as Paul Anka and Del Shannon.
In the late 1960s, he formed a comedy and music act with Joe Pesci, performing in lounges and clubs across New Jersey. The duo’s chemistry on stage would prove pivotal, as it eventually led both men into the world of film.
His break came in 1976 with the low-budget film The Death Collector, where he appeared alongside Pesci. This movie caught the attention of Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese, opening the door to the iconic roles that followed.
Career Highlights
Raging Bull (1980)
Frank Vincent’s first major breakthrough came with Scorsese’s Raging Bull, where he played Salvy Batts. His scenes opposite Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci showcased his ability to portray gritty, streetwise characters.
Goodfellas (1990)
His most famous role was as Billy Batts in Goodfellas. The “shine box” scene, where his character is brutally attacked after mocking Joe Pesci’s character, remains one of the most memorable in mob-movie history.
Casino (1995)
In Casino, Vincent played Frank Vincent, once again working under Scorsese. His performance added to his reputation as one of Hollywood’s go-to actors for mob-related roles.
The Sopranos (2004–2007)
On television, Frank Vincent became widely known for his role as Phil Leotardo in The Sopranos. Introduced in season five, his character grew into a central antagonist, with a storyline that remains one of the show’s most unforgettable arcs.
Voice Work and Writing
Vincent also made a mark in the world of video games, voicing Salvatore Leone in Grand Theft Auto III, San Andreas, and Liberty City Stories.
In 2006, he published A Guy’s Guide to Being a Man’s Man, a humorous yet practical book about masculinity and lifestyle.
Family and Personal Life
Frank Vincent married Kathleen Vincent in 1970, and the couple remained together until his passing in 2017. They had three children: Anthony, Debra, and Maria.
Despite his tough screen image, he was known to be a dedicated family man. Friends and colleagues often spoke about his loyalty, his love for cooking, and the pride he took in his heritage.
He lived in Nutley, New Jersey, for much of his later life, where he enjoyed a quieter lifestyle outside of Hollywood.
Net Worth and Achievements
At the time of his death, Frank Vincent’s net worth was estimated at around $3 million. His wealth came from decades of acting in films, television, and video games, along with his earlier work in music and his published book.
While he never won major acting awards, his recognition came through the respect he earned in the industry. He worked with some of the greatest directors and actors of his era, and his performances have become cultural touchstones in the mob-drama genre.
Later Years and Death
In September 2017, Frank Vincent suffered a heart attack. He underwent open-heart surgery, but complications led to his death on September 13, 2017, at the age of 80.
His passing was widely mourned in Hollywood and beyond. Co-stars from The Sopranos, Goodfellas, and Casino paid tribute to his professionalism and larger-than-life personality.
Fun Facts
- Before acting, Vincent performed with a jazz band called Frank Vincent and the Aristocats.
- He often worked alongside Joe Pesci, not just in films, but also in their early comedy act.
- He appeared in music videos, including Nas’s Street Dreams.
- He once joked that being typecast as a mobster was fine with him—because those roles paid the bills.
- He collected memorabilia from his time on The Sopranos, including props from his character’s dramatic final scene.
Legacy
Frank Vincent may not have been the star of every film he appeared in, but he left an unforgettable mark on cinema and television. His roles brought authenticity to the gangster genre, and his performances stood out even alongside legends like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and James Gandolfini.
What made him unique was his ability to play characters that were both menacing and charismatic. Audiences may have loved to hate his roles, but they respected the man behind them.
Today, Frank Vincent is remembered as one of the great character actors of his generation—someone who elevated every project he was part of and left behind a body of work that continues to inspire.
Conclusion
Frank Vincent’s story is one of talent, persistence, and passion. From his early years as a musician in New Jersey, to his rise in Hollywood alongside Martin Scorsese and Joe Pesci, to his unforgettable turn on The Sopranos, his career spanned five decades and touched millions of fans.
His height, age, family, net worth, and legacy paint the picture of a man who lived fully, worked hard, and left behind more than just films—he left a cultural imprint.
Frank Vincent’s name will forever be linked with the golden age of mob cinema and television. He was, and remains, a true icon.
FAQs About Frank Vincent
1. What was Frank Vincent most famous for?
Frank Vincent was best known for his tough-guy roles in mob films like Goodfellas and Casino, and for playing Phil Leotardo in The Sopranos.
2. How tall was Frank Vincent?
He stood at about 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m), giving him a commanding on-screen presence.
3. Who was Frank Vincent’s family?
Frank was married to Kathleen Vincent, and together they had three children: Anthony, Debra, and Maria. He also had two brothers, Nick and Jimmy, and a half-sister, Fran.
4. What was Frank Vincent’s net worth?
At the time of his passing in 2017, his net worth was estimated at $3 million, built from his acting, music career, book, and voice work.
5. Did Frank Vincent use social media?
Unlike today’s celebrities, Frank Vincent had little to no presence on social media. He was more focused on his craft and family life than online platforms.
