New York, Sep 14 (IANS): Frank Vincent, veteran actor who is known for his role in films like "The Sopranos" and "Goodfellas'", died during open heart surgery in New Jersey.

Vincent, who has been acting for four decades, suffered a heart attack last week and underwent surgery at a Jersey hospital on Wednesday. He died during the surgery, he was 78-years-old, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Vincent's filmography is extensive. He most notably appeared as Tony Soprano's arch nemesis, Phil Leotardo in the "The Sopranos" starting in season five and until the series' conclusion in 2007.

James Gandolfini, who played the lead in the HBO series "The Sopranos" died of a heart attack in 2013.

Vincent also plated Billy Batts in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" (1990). He also played Frank Marino in Scorsese's "Casino" with Pesci.

Vincent has noted his career floundered for a time, and he didn't catch a break until 1978 when he would run into Pesci at a Manhattan bar.

Vincent was married to his first wife in the 1960's, that marriage bore him two children, He would eventually divorce and re-marry. He leaves behind his wife Katherine, their son Anthony Vincent, and his two children from his previous marriage.