The Godfather star Alex Rocco dead

The Godfather star Alex Rocco has died, aged 79.

The character actor also played studio boss Roger Meyers Jr. in The Simpsons, and enjoyed success with roles on TV shows The Facts of Life and Magic City. Rocco won an Emmy Award in 1990 for his portrayal of Hollywood talent agent Al Floss on the short-lived series The Famous Teddy Z.

But he's best known for his portrayal of casino boss Moe Greene in The Godfather. His other movie credits included Freebie and the Bean, The Gold Dust Twins, The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, The Friends of Eddie Coyle, Herbie Goes Bananas, Get Shorty, The Wedding Planner and Smokin’ Aces.

Rocco died on Saturday (18Jul15).

His Magic City co-star Jeffrey Dean Morgan has paid tribute to the man who played his father on the show, stating, "For those of us lucky enough to get to know Rocco, we were blessed. He gave the best advice, told the best and dirtiest jokes and was the first to give you a hug and kiss when it was needed. To know Roc was to love Roc. He will be missed greatly. There is a little less magic in the world today. Rest in peace, ‘Pops.’ Love and miss you madly."

And the show's creator Mitch Glazer adds, "I will miss the Sunday late-afternoon phone calls after his beloved (American football team New England) Patriots had stomped my beleaguered (Miami) Dolphins: ‘Hey buddy. Let’s roll it over. Double or nothing on the next one.’ I spoke with Alex just last week. Before we hung up, he insisted we make our bet for the first Fins-Pats game of the coming season. And Rocco, trust me, I will pay up."