Kathleen Vincent
Kathleen Vincent was the longtime wife of TV and film actor, Frank Vincent. Her husband, best known for his role in gangster films, died aged 78 from complications of heart surgery.
Frank Vincent was born Frank Vincent Gattuso Jr. on August 4, 1937. The Massachusetts native was of Italian descent and was raised in New Jersey by his businessman father. He grew up alongside two brothers, Nick and Jimmy. He also had a half-sister named Fran.
Vincent’s career spanned four decades, kick-started by a role in crime film The Death Collector alongside Joe Pesci in 1976. But believe it or not, he actually began his career in music.
Vincent’s long musician period began in the 1960’s. During this period he drank, flirting and playing his way through most every nightclub and recording studio in New York. Back in the day, he would do studio work with acts like Paul Anka, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Del Shannon, the Duprees and others. His band was called “Frank Vincent and the Aristocats.” Actor Joe Pesci used to be his guitar player.
He turn to acting in the late 70’s after longtime friend and former band member Pesci, got him a part in a B movie called “Death Collector.”
He’d go on to collaborate with the actor several more times in Martin Scorsese films Raging Bull, Goodfellas – as the memorable Billy Batts – and Casino.
He reprised his role in the latter in the music video for Nas’ song ‘Street Dreams’ in 1996.
The actor went on to appear in 30 episodes of David Chase’s seminal drama series The Sopranos, playing the boss of the Lupertazzi crime family from its fifth season in 2004 right up until the series finale in 2007, serving as the show’s climactic antagonist.
Vincent’s other credits include Spike Lee films Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever.
Vicnent’s roles were small but were sure epic. During his lifetime there were ups and lows, he did just about everything from being a musician, a comedian, a small-time talent agent and even a restaurant host.
Kathleen Vincent, also known as Kathy –became his second wife. According to the NY Times, he first married in the 60’s. At the time he was trying to have a career in music. He and his first wife had two sons.
He and his first wife lived in Jersey but the marriage came to an end. He said during this period he would drive home from music gigs ‘drunk and exhausted.’
By the time he and second wife, Kathleen Vincent were married, Frank had already began his career in acting. The lovely blonde was often seen in red carpet event by her husband’s side.
The couple welcomed one son together, Anthony Vincent –who works as a stuntman in both film and television. He played Jim Caviezel’s double in the hit show Person of Interest.
The couple kept private and not much details are known about her. We send our condolences to Kathleen Vincent and the rest of Frank’s family and friends.
