American film and TV actor Paul D’Amato has died aged 75 after a four-year health battle.
The actor, who played Tim “Dr Hook” McCracken in the movie Slap Shot and had a role in The Deer Hunter alongside Robert De Niro, suffered from a rare brain disease.
D’Amato also played different characters in several episodes of two of the popular Law & Order franchises.
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“He was the most wonderful, sweetest guy, he fought so hard against this horrendous disease,” his fiancée Marina Re told The Hollywood Reporter.
Before taking on acting, D’Amato served in the US Army before playing in the hockey team while attending Emerson College in Boston.
He went on to perform in an off-Broadway production of Deathwatch before attending hockey try outs for the 1976 movie Slap Shot.
Two years later, he played a Green Beret in The Deer Hunter, remembered for being pestered by De Niro’s character at the bar during a wedding reception.
Other credits include Heaven’s Gate, The Six Million Dollar Man, Law & Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Former professional hockey player Steve Carlson, who appeared with D’Amato in Slap Shot, led tributes on social media.
“RIP Paul D’Amato. Sending heartfelt condolences to Family and fellow friends, actors #ripdrhook,” he wrote on X.
“Saddened to learn this. He was great in his role as Slap Shot’s villain. He also did a great job in his small role in The Deer Hunter (the jaded Sergeant at the bar). RIP,” a fan responded.
“He will lives forever with Slap Shot. Thanks for All Time Classic movie Paul!” added another.
“Super nice man. I worked with him back in 1983 at Paragon Sports in NYC. Wishing his family all the peace and comfort they will need at this incredibly difficult time,” a former colleague said.
