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How did Bruce MacVittie die? 'The Sopranos' actor, 65, made Broadway debut opposite Al Pacino

New York stage actor Bruce MacVittie was popular for his roles in 'The Sopranos', 'Law & Order' and 'As The World Turns'

Veteran actor Bruce MacVittie, who made his Broadway debut opposite Al Pacino in a 1983 production of David Mamet’s 'American Buffalo', died aged 65 on May 7. The New York stage actor was popular for his roles in 'The Sopranos', 'Law & Order' and 'As The World Turns'. He also appeared in 'Sex and the City', 'Miami Vice', 'The Stand', 'L.A. Law', 'Oz', among other TV shows.

MacVittie's wife Carol Ochs confirmed his death to the New York Times. She said that the actor died of an unknown cause at a hospital in New York City. 

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MacVittie, born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1956, began acting while still in high school. He attended Boston University and also studied with Polish theatre director Jerzy Grotowski in 1976. In 1979, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.

MacVittie's career began at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in 1980 in Edward Allen Baker's 'Prairie Avenue'. He worked here for several years as a member. He was also a founding member of Naked Angels Theater Company.

MacVittie's IMDB bio reads, "Bruce spent over ten years at the Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights' Conference under Lloyd Richards, 10 seasons at the Williamstown Theatre Festival under Michael Ritchie and Jenny Gersten, and was a member of the Blue Light Theatre Company where he began a collaboration with Joanne Woodward for several years on the plays of Clifford Odets." "Bruce spent over ten years at the Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights' Conference under Lloyd Richards, 10 seasons at the Williamstown Theatre Festival under Michael Ritchie and Jenny Gersten, and was a member of the Blue Light Theatre Company where he began a collaboration with Joanne Woodward for several years on the plays of Clifford Odets. In 1982, he began as understudy to James Hayden in David Mamet's American Buffalo," it adds.

MacVittie worked in most off-Broadway theaters in New York, including the Public, Playwright's Horizons, Manhattan Theatre Club, Signature Theatre, and Cherry Lane. In a span of 32 years, the actor appeared in over 75 film and television productions. He is survived by his daughter Sophia Oliva Ochs MacVittie and wife Carol Ochs.

Social media users shared tributes and condolences soon after the news of his passing surfaced. Those who knew MacVittie remembered him with fondness. "I met the great Bruce MacVittie shortly after this. We’ve worked together often. He was a beautiful, honest actor and man. The real deal. Sending love to his friends and family," playwright Warren Leight wrote on Twitter. Actor Rob Morrow wrote, "Another of our dear pals have passed; RIP @BruceMacVittie I took this shot of Bruce when we were building out the #NakedAngels space on 17th St. around 1988. I was determined, per the ‘Naked’ in our name, to get a shot of someone naked in the raw space and Bruce volunteered." "I met Bruce MacVittie more than forty years ago. We worked and played together repeatedly, as actors, and as friends, throughout the ensuing decades," said actor Evan Handler.

One user wrote on Twitter, "When I talk to my playwriting students about the best dramaturgs are often the actors in your plays, I talk about Bruce Macvittie. He was wonderful and I will miss him." "Oh, man. I didn't know MacVittie well, but he was another one of those welcome presences back in my time at EST. And one of those faces who would pop up on old Law & Order reruns and I'd wave and say hi. RIP, sir," wrote another. One user commented, "Bruce MacVittie. 48 years of friendship. Husband, father, friend and brilliant actor. We mourn his loss. Our hearts are with Carol and Sophia and the huge network of friends out here. Rest In Peace dear friend."