Actor Paul D’Amato, who was best known for his role in US police drama Law & Order, has died at the age of 76.
His passing was confirmed by his family who said he died on Monday following a four-year battle with a rare brain disease.
Paul D’Amato’s fiancée, Marina Re, paid tribute to him, describing him as “the most wonderful, sweetest guy” who fought “so hard”.
Aside from his work in Law & Order, D’Amato also starred as a sergeant alongside Robert De Niro in the 1978 epic war drama, The Deer Hunter. But it was his appearance as “Dr Hook” in the ice hockey hit Slap Shot that inspired the creation of the X-Men comic book character Wolverine.
Cartoonist John Byrne, who created Wolverine, said of D’Amato: “He just had the look. He had the crazy eyes. And that’s what Wolverine needs to have.”
Tributes have poured in following the news of D’Amato’s death, with fans expressing their sadness and remembering his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Paul D’Amato is survived by his sister Andrea and girlfriend Marina Re, and left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
