The Sopranos star Richard Romanus, the star of Mean Streets, has died at the age of 80

celebrities

by Brooke Cato

Actor Richard Romanos has died at the age of 80.

“The Sopranos” star died in Volos Hospital in Greece on December 23, his son Robert confirmed to Hollywood Reporter. The cause of death has not yet been announced.

Romanes has played a large number of strong characters throughout his career, including Richard Lapeña in “The Sopranos” (1999-2002), Michael Longo in “Mean Streets” (1973), and Harry Canyon in “Heavy Metal” (1981 ).

He also appeared in “Point of No Return” (1993), “Oscar” (1991), and “Sitting Ducks” (1980).

He appeared in the television series Mission: Impossible (1989), Strike Force (1991-1982), Hawaii Five-O (1968) and Foul Play (1981).

The actor, who grew up in Connecticut, was born on February 8, 1943 in Barry, Vermont, and earned a degree in philosophy in 1964 from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, before heading to law school.

He only attended for a year before pursuing acting at New York's Carnegie Hall with fellow actor Lee Strasberg.

Romanos is survived by his son, whom he shares with his first wife, actress and singer Tina Pullman. and his younger brother, Robert Romanos of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” fame; and his second wife, Anthea Silbert, an Oscar-nominated fashion designer, whom he married in August 1985.

Silbert and Romanos moved to Skiathos, Greece, more than two decades ago, where the couple wrote and produced two Lifetime television films — “Giving Up the Ghost” (1998) and “If You Believe” (1999) — and became honorary citizens of Skiathos. In 2021.

Romanos has also written several books set in the country: “Chrysalis” (2011), “Echo of Matula” (2014), and his memoir “Chapter Three: A Small Island in the Aegean Sea” (2011).