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Vinny Vella death: Sopranos actor dies aged 72 after liver cancer battle

Sopranos actor Vinny Vella has died aged 72 after a battle with liver cancer.

The news was announced in a statement from his representatives who described him as “one of the funniest” actors.

“We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I'm sure that no one is more saddened than himself,” the statement read.

“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.”

Actors Vinny Vella, Vinny Vella Jr. and Steve Buscemi pictured in 2004 (Getty Images)
Actors Vinny Vella, Vinny Vella Jr. and Steve Buscemi pictured in 2004 (Getty Images)

His son Vinny Jr said he has been left “heartbroken”. In a statement to TMZ he said: “RIP to my father.

“I love you so much and I’m so heart broken. You are no longer in pain – no more suffering pops. I love you.”

Vella played Jimmy Petrille on The Sopranos from 1999 to 2004 and was famed for his role as Artie Piscano in Martin Scorsese’s Casino.

Tributes: Vinny Vella pictured in 2013 (Rex Features)
Tributes: Vinny Vella pictured in 2013 (Rex Features)

He also starred alongside Robert De Niro in Analyze That and Steve Buscemi and Iggy Pop in Coffee and Cigarettes.

Tributes flooded in from fans and former co-stars, including Thomas J Churchill who said he felt privileged to have directed Vella.

His death comes weeks after he celebrated the 20th anniversary of The Sopranos, which he described as “one of the great highlights of [his] career”.