RIP: Alex Rocco (1936–2015)

He was Moe Greene, he made his bones when you were going out with cheerleaders.
Film + TV
RIP: Alex Rocco (1936–2015)

He was Moe Greene, he made his bones when you were going out with cheerleaders.

Words: FLOOD Staff

photo courtesy of Michael Ontkean Archives/Getty

July 20, 2015

Alex Rocco is getting lectured by his son Michael Ontkean in a scene from the film ‘Voices’, 1979. (Photo by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty Images)

The beloved character actor Alex Rocco, whose performance as Moe Greene in The Godfather produced one of the greatest scenes in film history, passed away Sunday from cancer in Studio City, CA.

While Rocco was best known for his role as the cheerleading-dating, Italian-epithet-muttering casino owner in The Godfather, his filmography is incredibly lengthy. According to IMDB, Rocco appeared in a staggering 167 films, from 1965’s Motorpsycho! up to The Other and Silver Skies, both of which are still in production. He also had recurring roles in The Facts of Life, The Simpsons, and the short-lived George Carlin Show, as well as having made appearances on Maron.

Rocco is survived by his wife, four children, four grandchildren, and sister.

Watch Rocco square off against Al Pacino in The Godfather below.

(via Flavorwire)