‘He wanted to leave’ Sopranos actor died yesterday at the age of 72

Tributes are currently being made to honour the life of Sopranos actor, Frank Pellegrino, who died yesterday at the age of 72.

Frank, who played FBI Chief Frank Cubitoso in the hit show, passed away after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Speaking to the press, the actor's friend, Richard 'Bo' Dietl, confirmed the news before paying tribute to his long-term friend.

“I was with Frankie yesterday just after he passed," he told media outlets. "He decided that he wanted to leave and he asked his family to take the plug out. He was one of the bravest people I ever met in my life.”

In addition to playing Chief Cubitoso on The Sopranos, Frankie was also known for his roles in Goodfellas and Law & Order, and was a well-known figure on the gastronomy scene in New York.

Co-owner of the landmark restaurant Rao’s in New York, Frankie's establishment was often used to shoot scenes for TV and movie.