Character actor Richard Bright, who played bodyguard Al Neri in the 'Godfather' films, has died after being hit by a bus in New York City.
Bright, 68, was hit by a private bus as he crossed the street in his Manhattan neighbourhood, according to police reports.
He played the role of Al Neri in each of the 'Godfather' films, guarding the Corleone family patriarchs played by Marlon Brando and Al Pacino.
Bright, born in 1937 in Brooklyn, had almost 80 television and movie credits to his name.
He played a con artist in 1972's 'The Getaway', starring Ali MacGraw as well as appearing in Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon a Time in America' (1984), 'Looking for Mr Goodbar' (1977) and 'Marathon Man' (1976).
His numerous TV appearances include 'Hill Street Blues', 'Third Watch', 'The Sopranos' and, most recently, 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'.
