Residence Paramus, New Jersey Role Actor Name Tony Lip | Years active 1972–2008 Occupation Actor, author | |
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Full Name Frank Anthony Vallelonga Born July 30, 1930 ( 1930-07-30 ) Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania Died January 4, 2013, Teaneck, New Jersey, United States Spouse Dolores Vallelonga (m. 1958–1999) Children Nick Vallelonga, Frank Vallelonga Books Shut Up and Eat!: Mangia with Family Recipes and Stories from Your Favorite Italian-American Stars Movies Goodfellas, Stiletto, Donnie Brasco, Innocent Blood, Year of the Dragon Similar People Nick Vallelonga, David Chase, John Landis, Mike Newell, Francis Ford Coppola | ||
At Tony Lip’s Italian Restaurant in Franklin Lakes
Tony Lip (born Frank Anthony Vallelonga; July 30, 1930 – January 4, 2013) was an American actor and occasional author, best known for his portrayal of crime boss Carmine Lupertazzi in the HBO series The Sopranos. He portrayed real-life Bonanno crime family mobster Philip Giaccone, in Donnie Brasco, and real-life Lucchese crime family mobster Francesco Manzo, in Goodfellas. It was at the Copacabana Nightclub where he first met Francis Ford Coppola and Louis DiGiamo, leading to his film debut in The Godfather but in a very small role. He also co-wrote his own book in 2005 named Shut Up And Eat!
Contents
- At Tony Lips Italian Restaurant in Franklin Lakes
- The Sam Lesante Show Joe Franklin Tony Lip
- Early and personal life
- Death
- Filmography
- References
The Sam Lesante Show - Joe Franklin & Tony Lip
Early and personal life
Lip was born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania but grew up in The Bronx near John Gotti's boyhood home. He earned the nickname "Lip" in 1938 as he was very persuasive and could out-talk anyone. Lip also served in the United States army in years 1951 and 1953 while stationed in Germany. He worked at the Copacabana, starting in 1961, as maître d’ and supervisor, and met famous people like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Lip had resided in Paramus, New Jersey with his wife Dolores who died in 1999.
Death
Lip died January 4, 2013 at a hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey at age 82. He is survived by his sons, Nick Vallelonga and Frank Vallelonga Jr., brother Rudy Vallelonga and one grandson.
