Tony Lip facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Lip
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Vallelonga in 2010
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| Born |
Frank Anthony Vallelonga
July 30, 1930 |
| Died | January 4, 2013 (aged 82) Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1972–2008 |
| Spouse(s) | Dolores Venere (until her death in 1999) |
| Children | 2, including Nick Vallelonga |
Frank Anthony Vallelonga Sr. (born July 30, 1930 – died January 4, 2013) was an American actor. He was better known by his stage name, Tony Lip. He became famous for playing the character Carmine Lupertazzi in the TV show The Sopranos.
Tony Lip also played real-life people in movies. He was Philip Giaccone in Donnie Brasco and Francesco Manzo in Goodfellas. His first movie role was a small part in The Godfather. He also helped write a book called Shut Up and Eat! in 2005.
His early life in the 1960s was made into a movie. He worked as a driver and bodyguard for a talented musician named Don Shirley. This story became the 2018 film Green Book. In the movie, Tony Lip was played by actor Viggo Mortensen.
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Early Life
Frank Anthony Vallelonga was born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. His parents, Nazarena and Nicholas Vallelonga, were from Italy. When he was a baby, his family moved to the Bronx in New York City. He grew up on 215th Street.
He got the nickname "Lip" when he was a child. This was because he was very good at talking to people. He could often convince others to do what he wanted.
His Career Journey
From 1951 to 1953, Tony Lip served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany during this time. After his military service, he started working at the Copacabana nightclub in 1961. He worked there as a supervisor and helped manage the dining room.
While working as a bouncer, he got a special job. He was hired to drive and protect the famous classical pianist Don Shirley. This happened during a tour through the southern United States from 1962 to 1963. At that time, there were unfair laws called Jim Crow laws that separated people based on their race.
This important journey became the story for the 2018 movie Green Book. Tony Lip's son, Nick Vallelonga, helped write the movie. In the film, Tony Lip's character was played by actor Viggo Mortensen.
Acting Roles
Tony Lip appeared in many films and TV shows. He often played characters who were tough or involved in crime stories. Some of his notable roles include:
- The Godfather (1972)
- Goodfellas (1990) as Frankie the Wop
- Donnie Brasco (1997) as Philly Lucky
- The Sopranos (2001–2007) as Carmine Lupertazzi
Personal Life and Passing
Tony Lip lived in Paramus, New Jersey. He was married to Dolores Vallelonga, who passed away in 1999.
Tony Lip died on January 4, 2013, in Teaneck, New Jersey. He was 82 years old. He was survived by his two sons, Nick Vallelonga and Frank Vallelonga Jr. He also had a brother, Rudy Vallelonga, and one grandson.
Images for kids
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Tony Lip in 2010
See also
In Spanish: Tony Lip para niños
