The Tragic Legacy: Where Are The Mob Of The Dead Actors Now? (Updated December 2025)

The *Call of Duty: Black Ops II* Zombies map "Mob of the Dead" (MOTD) is legendary, not just for its groundbreaking gameplay but for its star-studded cast of Hollywood's most iconic mobster actors. Released in 2013 as part of the *Uprising* DLC, the map transported players to Alcatraz Island, pitting them against the undead as four Prohibition-era gangsters. The map’s cinematic quality was entirely due to the performances of Ray Liotta, Michael Madsen, Chazz Palminteri, and Joe Pantoliano, whose likenesses and voices brought the characters to life. As of December 2025, the status of this incredible ensemble has changed dramatically, with the tragic passing of two key members, lending a somber, yet powerful, new context to their unforgettable performances in the *Call of Duty* universe.

This article provides the most current and comprehensive update on the four actors who defined the *Mob of the Dead* experience, detailing their iconic roles, their extensive biographies, and their final projects, cementing their legacy both in Hollywood and the beloved Zombies *Aether storyline*.

The Legendary Cast of Mob of the Dead: A Complete Biography Profile

The brilliance of *Mob of the Dead* lies in its casting, which pulled together four actors famous for their roles in classic gangster and crime films. Their collective filmography created an instant atmosphere of high-stakes, cinematic drama, making the map an instant fan favorite.

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1. Ray Liotta as Billy Handsome

• Character Role: Billy Handsome, a ruthless, charming mob enforcer who was known for his quick temper and even quicker trigger finger. He was the muscle of the Alcatraz crew.
• Date of Birth: December 18, 1954
• Date of Death: May 26, 2022
• Cause of Death: Cardiovascular disease, including respiratory insufficiency and acute heart failure.
• Notable Works: *Goodfellas* (1990), *Field of Dreams* (1989), *Cop Land* (1997), *Hannibal* (2001), *The Many Saints of Newark* (2021), *Black Bird* (2022).
• Career Highlight: His portrayal of Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s *Goodfellas* is widely considered one of the greatest performances in cinema history.

2. Michael Madsen as Finn O'Leary

• Character Role: Finn O'Leary, a hardened, no-nonsense Irish-American gangster, notorious for his involvement in bootlegging and his deep connections to the Prohibition-era criminal underworld.
• Date of Birth: September 25, 1957
• Date of Death: July 3, 2025 (according to recent reports)
• Cause of Death: Details are emerging, but reports indicate he passed away at age 67.
• Notable Works: *Reservoir Dogs* (1992), *Kill Bill: Vol. 1* (2003), *Donnie Brasco* (1997), *The Hateful Eight* (2015), *Free Willy* (1993).
• Career Highlight: His chilling performance as Vic Vega (Mr. Blonde) in Quentin Tarantino's *Reservoir Dogs* remains his most iconic and defining role.

3. Chazz Palminteri as Salvatore "Sal" DeLuca

• Character Role: Salvatore "Sal" DeLuca, the oldest and most traditional of the mobsters, a former narcotics distributor and brothel owner who views himself as the leader of the group.
• Date of Birth: May 15, 1952
• Current Status: Active and working.
• Notable Works: *A Bronx Tale* (1993), *The Usual Suspects* (1995), *Bullets Over Broadway* (1994), *Analyze This* (1999), *Mickey Blue Eyes* (1999).
• Career Highlight: Writing and starring in the one-man show *A Bronx Tale*, which he adapted into a successful feature film and later a Broadway musical.

4. Joe Pantoliano as Albert "The Weasel" Arlington

• Character Role: Albert "The Weasel" Arlington, the informant and scapegoat of the group, known for his ability to talk his way out of trouble and his role as the architect of the escape plan, the "Great Escape."
• Date of Birth: September 12, 1951
• Current Status: Active and working.
• Notable Works: *The Matrix* (1999), *Memento* (2000), *The Sopranos* (2000-2004), *Risky Business* (1983), *Bad Boys* (1995).
• Career Highlight: Winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Ralph Cifaretto in *The Sopranos*.

The Tragic Twin Losses: Ray Liotta and Michael Madsen

The most significant and recent development concerning the *Mob of the Dead* cast is the unfortunate passing of two of its stars, Ray Liotta and, more recently, Michael Madsen. This news adds an unexpected layer of poignancy to their roles as the eternally trapped mobsters of Alcatraz.

Ray Liotta, the voice of Billy Handsome, passed away in his sleep in May 2022 while filming a movie in the Dominican Republic. His death at age 67 was later attributed to cardiovascular disease. His final completed works, including the Apple TV+ limited series *Black Bird*, showcased his enduring talent, even as fans mourned the loss of the actor who perfected the on-screen blend of menace and vulnerability.

More recently, reports from July 2025 confirmed the passing of Michael Madsen, who played Finn O'Leary. A prolific actor with a career spanning decades, Madsen was a frequent collaborator with director Quentin Tarantino, known for his cool, menacing demeanor in films like *Reservoir Dogs* and *Kill Bill*. The loss of two-thirds of the *Mob of the Dead* crew in such a short period has deeply resonated with the *Call of Duty Zombies* community, transforming the map into an even greater tribute to these cinematic legends.

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The Survivors: Ongoing Careers and Latest Projects (2024-2025)

While the *Mob of the Dead* cast has suffered losses, the two remaining actors, Chazz Palminteri and Joe Pantoliano, continue to have thriving careers in film, television, and theater, bringing their signature grit to new projects.

Chazz Palminteri: From Sal DeLuca to the Stage and Screen

Chazz Palminteri, the voice of Salvatore "Sal" DeLuca, remains incredibly active, often returning to his roots. His most famous work, the one-man show *A Bronx Tale*, which explores his childhood growing up in the Bronx, was recently filmed for a special release, premiering in 2024. This project highlights his status as a true triple threat: actor, writer, and director. Palminteri also maintains a presence in the New York restaurant scene, further cementing his connection to the classic Italian-American culture he so often portrays. Fans can expect continued updates on his official website throughout 2025, suggesting more projects are on the horizon.

Joe Pantoliano: The Weasel's Continuing Hollywood Success

Joe Pantoliano, affectionately known as "Joey Pants," who played Albert "The Weasel" Arlington, has seen a significant resurgence in high-profile roles. His talent for playing complex, often anxious characters has kept him in demand across all media. In a massive update for 2025, Pantoliano was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role in the critically acclaimed HBO series *The Last of Us*. This nomination proves his enduring relevance in the modern prestige television landscape, nearly two decades after his iconic turn as Ralph Cifaretto in *The Sopranos*. Additionally, he has embraced lighter fare, starring in a Hallmark holiday movie, *Holiday Touchdown: A Buffalo Bills Love Story*, showcasing his versatility beyond the gangster genre.

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The Undying Legacy of Mob of the Dead in the Aether Storyline

The impact of the *Mob of the Dead* actors extends far beyond a single map; their performance is foundational to the entire *Call of Duty Zombies* narrative, known as the *Aether storyline*. The map's setting in Alcatraz Prison, and the cyclical nature of the four mobsters' purgatorial punishment, is one of the most compelling and dark narratives in the franchise. The characters—Billy Handsome, Sal DeLuca, Finn O'Leary, and Albert Arlington—are trapped in a never-ending loop of death and revival, orchestrated by the Shadowman to punish them for their past crimes.

The map's central conflict revolves around whether the mobsters, particularly The Weasel, can break the cycle. The famous "Pop Goes the Weasel" Easter egg is a narrative masterpiece, offering two distinct endings: the "Cycle" ending, where the mobsters kill The Weasel and restart the loop, or the "Freedom" ending, where The Weasel kills the others, finally achieving a form of peace. The raw, authentic performances by Liotta, Madsen, Palminteri, and Pantoliano are what sold this complex, tragic tale of betrayal and eternal damnation. Their voices and likenesses are now permanently etched into the canon of one of gaming's most beloved horror narratives, ensuring that even as the actors pass on, their characters will forever be locked in their eternal torment on Alcatraz Island.

The recent passing of Liotta and Madsen serves as a powerful reminder of the ephemeral nature of life, contrasting sharply with the eternal, cursed lives of the characters they portrayed. For fans, *Mob of the Dead* remains an essential piece of gaming history—a perfect storm of cinematic casting, atmospheric horror, and a deeply emotional narrative.