Pilato is perhaps best-known for his role as the antagonist in George A. Romero's 1985 zombie movie sequel Day of the Dead, delivering one of the most memorable villain performances of the era. The late actor DIED in his sleep at 70 years old, and further details on Pilato's passing are not yet clear. His friend Marty Schiff CONFIRMED the news on Facebook, posting a heartfelt message along with the announcement. "It is with GREAT SADNESS that I inform you that actor and old friend Joseph "Joe" Pilato PASSED AWAY quietly in his sleep last night," Shiff says in the post. "Rest in Peace, Joe."