Actor Alex Rocco dies aged 79

Alex Rocco was best known for his role as mobster Moe Greene in The Godfather Credit: Paul Smith/EMPICS Entertainment

Actor Alex Rocco, who was best known for his role as mobster Moe Greene in The Godfather, has died aged 79.

The Emmy-award wining actor's death was confirmed by his daughter Jennifer who posted the news on her Facebook late last night.

Rocco, whose acting career spanned more than 50 years, trained under Star Trek star Leonard Nimroy in the early 1960s and after a decade in Hollywood had his big break in Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of the book The Godfather.

Alex Rocco, left, picture with his co-stars from The Godfather Credit: Reuters

In his five decades in the spotlight Rocco developed a reputation for being a talented character actor and had notable roles in movies such as Get Shorty and The Wedding Planner as well as TV shows The Famous Teddy Z and Episodes.

He was also a regular voice over artist for The Simpsons and Family Guy .