Tony Lip

Tony Lip
Lip in 2010
Born Frank Anthony Vallelonga
(1930-07-30)July 30, 1930
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
Died January 4, 2013(2013-01-04) (aged 82)
Teaneck, New Jersey
Residence Paramus, New Jersey
Occupation Actor, author
Years active 1972–2008
Spouse(s) Delores Lip (?-1999)

Tony Lip (born Frank Anthony Vallelonga; July 30, 1930 – January 4, 2013)[1] 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!

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.[2] 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.[3]

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.[4]

Film appearances

His travels with pianist Don Shirley through the South in 1962 is portrayed in the 2018 movie Green Book.

Series

References

  1. ↑ http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/080110_Paramus_Sopranos_actor_marks_80th_birthday.html?c=y&page=1
  2. ↑ Coutros, Evonne. " Who's the boss now? -- Paramus actor worked his way up to role he couldn't refuse", The Record (Bergen County), February 9, 2003. Accessed October 14, 2007.
  3. ↑ Coutros, Evonne (April 2008). "That Was Show Biz: Bill Miller's Riviera nightclub was a stage for top talent". (201) Magazine. Archived from the original on 2010-11-20. Retrieved 2010-01-11.
  4. ↑ "Actor Tony Lip Dies At Age Of 82, Known For Portraying Carmine Lupertazzi In HBO's The Sopranos". CBS News New York. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
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