Famous for his role as Luca Brasi in the acclaimed 1972 film The Godfather, he is also remembered for his real-life involvement with the Colombo crime family, as well as for his professional wrestling career.
He became a wrestler in the early 1950s and eventually won New Jersey and Texas Tag Team titles.
At six feet, six inches and over three hundred pounds, he was an imposing presence both on screen and in the ring.
Born Leonard Passafaro, he grew up in Brooklyn, New York, as a member of an Italian family.
He appeared with Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in The Godfather.
