Alex Rocco

Alex Rocco, a longtime character actor, has died at the age of 79, according to the examiner.com. His death was first reported by his daughter on her Facebook page. One of his best-known roles would be as casino owner Moe Greene in “The Godfather,” who had the famous line, "Do you know who I am?"

The New York Times reported that Rocco died of cancer.

He appeared in many films including “Freebie and the Bean, “Cannonball Run II” and “Dream a Little Dream” (1989), which was directed by his son Marc Rocco, who preceded his father in death, in 2009. He also appeared in such popular movies as “Get Shorty” in 1995 and in “That Thing You Do” in 1996.

Rocco also had a prolific career on television. He appeared on numerous shows, including as Jo’s father on “The Facts of Life” and as the executive who produced the classic Itchy and Scratchy cartoons on “The Simpsons.”

Rocco’s most recent appearances were on the TV shows “Episodes” last year and “Maron” earlier this year. At the time of his death, he was scheduled to appear in the horror movie “The Other.”

Alex Rocco was born Alexander Federico Petricone in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He moved to California and started out working as a bartender, and began taking acting classes with such teachers as Leonard Nimoy and noted acting teacher Jeff Corey.

Rocco is survived by his wife, actress Shannon Wilcox, his daughter, Jennifer, sons Lucien and Marc Rocco, and a grandson.