'The Sopranos' Actor Dies Of Cancer; Tributes Pour In

"The Sopranos" star and Broadway veteran Robert LuPone passed away on Saturday after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 76.

"The MCC Theater community mourns the loss of our much loved and uniquely inspiring partner, colleague, and dear friend, Bob LuPone, who lived fearlessly and with great curiosity, good humor, a boundless passion for connection, and a whole lot of heart. We will miss him deeply and always," off-Broadway theatre company MCC Theatre's spokesperson Matt Ross said in a statement to the Associated Press.

LuPone co-founded and led the MCC Theatre, formerly known as the Manhattan Class Company, for about 40 years alongside Bernie Telsey, whom he met while teaching at New York University. Since then, the company has handled Broadway hits, including "Frozen," "School Girls; or the African Mean Girls Play," and "Wit," which won the Pulitzer Prize.

As a tribute to the Brooklyn-born actor's legacy, the New York City theater community expressed their heartwarming messages for LuPone on social media.

"My condolences to the entire LuPone family. Bob (our Apostle James in the film JCSuperstar) was a kind & gentle spirit with a great sense of humor. One of the best performers I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Bob always did everything to the very best of his ability. RIP," American actor Ted Neeley, who played the titular role of "Jesus Christ Superstar," said on Twitter.

Emmy award-winning actress Donna Murphy also paid homage to the actor on Twitter saying, "An incredible man and artistic force. May you rest in peace and power #BobLupone Thank you for all you've given us. My deepest condolences to all your family & loved ones."

LuPone was not only known for working behind the scenes. He also starred in numerous Broadway shows, including "A Chorus Line," which earned him a Tony nomination; "A View from the Bridge," "A Thousand Clowns" and "True West."

The versatile actor was also known for his TV role as Samantha Jones' smug neighbor Len Schneider on "Sex and the City" and in soap operas such as "Guiding Light" and "All My Children," which earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination.

LuPone was the brother of Broadway icon Patti LuPone. He is survived by his wife Virginia and his son Orlando.