'Law & Order' Actor Bruce MacVittie Dies At 65

Actor Bruce MacVittie of “The Sopranos” and “Law & Order” fame died on May 7 in a New York City hospital, his wife Carol Ochs has confirmed. Ochs said the cause of death has yet to be determined.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island on Oct. 14, 1956, the 65-year-old veteran actor moved to New York in 1979 after his graduation from Boston University to pursue an acting career. His first acting venture started at the Ensemble Studio Theater, when he appeared in the 1980 stage play by Edward Allen, “What’s So Beautiful About a Sunset Over Prairie Avenue.”

A mainstay on and off Broadway for nearly four decades, MacVittie was one of the founding members of Naked Angels Theater Company. He made his Broadway debut alongside Al Pacino and J.J. Johnston in “American Buffalo,” which he subsequently performed on a national tour and in London’s West End.

Following a successful career in Broadway, MacVittie went on to land roles on TV, starting off with the popular television series “Barney Miller.” He also guest-starred on a host of other TV series, including “Miami Vice” and “The Street.” MacVittie popularly played Danny Scalercio on “The Sopranos” during its fourth season in 2002 and appeared in “Sex and the City.”

Among his most popular roles on TV include Judge Harvey Frye and Arnie Cox in “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” Kurt Mulhall and Mr. Tandy on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” He also played multiple characters, including Frank Andreas, Bill Parker, and Arvin Baker, in the original “Law & Order” series.

MacVittie’s other TV credits include “Homicide Life on the Street,” “CSI: NY,” “Gravesend,” “L.A. Law,” and “Chicago Med.” He also starred in a wide range of films, including “The Cotton Club,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” and “The Doors.” He also appeared in “Hannibal,” “Million Dollar Baby,” and all the 40 episodes of “The Street,” where he co-starred opposite Stanley Tucci and Michael Beach.

In 2011, MacVittie set aside his acting career to train as a nurse. Two years later, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree from Hunter College in Manhattan. He returned to acting in 2018, most recently appearing in “Bull.”