Beloved actor and screenwriter of "Green Book"

The entertainment industry was plunged into shock and sadness in December 2022 when news broke of the untimely passing of Frank Vallelonga Jr.

Vallelonga was a beloved figure in the industry, known not only for his work in the critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning film "Green Book," but also for his many contributions to the entertainment world.

Vallelonga Jr. was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, where he developed a love for the arts from a young age. He began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1980s, working as an actor and screenwriter. While he appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career, it was his role in "Green Book" that brought him widespread recognition and acclaim.

Vallelonga Jr. portrayed his uncle, Rudy Vallelonga, who acted as the chauffeur and protector for Don Shirley, a black pianist, during their travels in the racially segregated Southern United States of the 1960s. The movie, featuring Viggo Mortensen as Vallelonga Sr. (Frank Vallelonga Jr.'s father), received widespread acclaim for its compelling acting and emotional narrative, ultimately earning the prestigious Best Picture Academy Award in 2019.

Vallelonga Jr.'s passing was confirmed to be caused by the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine. The NYPD discovered his body in front of 1243 Oak Point Avenue in the Bronx, within the confines of the 41st Precinct.

The circumstances surrounding his death have raised many questions, and the NYPD has arrested a 35-year-old man named Steven Smith in connection with the case. Smith has been charged with concealment of a human corpse after video surveillance allegedly showed him dumping Vallelonga's body from a vehicle in the Bronx. However, Smith has denied any involvement in Vallelonga's death, claiming that Vallelonga "overdosed" and that he "didn't have anything to do with that."

Despite the tragic circumstances of his passing, Vallelonga Jr.'s impact on the entertainment industry will not be forgotten. He was a talented and dedicated individual who always brought his best to every project he worked on. Those who knew him remember him as a kind-hearted and passionate person who loved the arts and was always eager to share his knowledge and expertise with others.