How did Paul D’Amato die? Actor best known for playing Tim ‘Dr Hook’ McCracken in hockey comedy ‘Slap Shot’ was 76

BROOKFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS: Paul D’Amato, who played the villainous Tim 'Dr Hook' McCracken in the cult classic hockey comedy 'Slap Shot', died on Monday, February 19, at his home in East Brookfield, Massachusetts.

He was 76 years old and had been battling a rare brain disorder called progressive supranuclear palsy for four years.

Paul D’Amato: A versatile actor with memorable roles in film and TV

D’Amato was not only a hockey player on screen, but also an accomplished actor who appeared in several films and TV shows.

He had a small but memorable role in the Oscar-winning war drama 'The Deer Hunter' in which he played a bar patron who taunts Robert De Niro’s character.

He also starred as a knife-wielding criminal in the thriller 'Suspect' opposite Cher and Dennis Quaid and had roles in other movies such as 'Heaven Can Wait', 'F/X', and 'Six Ways to Sunday.'

He also played another hockey player in the TV movie 'The Deadliest' alongside Michael Moriarty and Meryl Streep, according to Variety.

Paul D’Amato's co-stars pay tribute to the legendary actor

D’Amato’s death was confirmed by his fiancee, actress Marina Re, who told The Hollywood Reporter that he was “the most wonderful, sweetest guy” who “fought so hard against this horrendous disease.”

 His 'Slap Shot' co-star Steve Carlson also paid a tribute to him in a post on X, writing "RIP Paul D’Amato” while sending condolences to his family and friends.

Paul D’Amato's legacy of charity and hockey fandom

D’Amato was born in Worcester and grew up in Spencer, Massachusetts. He developed an interest in acting and hockey at a young age and pursued both at Emerson College.

He landed his breakthrough role as Tim 'Dr Hook' McCracken in 1976, playing the captain of the Syracuse Bulldogs, the rival team of the Charlestown Chiefs led by Paul Newman’s Reggie Dunlop.

The film, which was released in 1977, became a cult hit among hockey fans and players.

D’Amato remained involved in the hockey community, attending benefit events and auctions, where he would donate his autographed Syracuse Bulldogs jersey with the number nine and the name McCracken on the back.

He also supported the Springfield Hockey Heritage Society and the Hartford Whalers Alumni Weekend. He raised thousands of dollars for scholarships and charities through his participation in these events.

D’Amato is survived by his sister Andrea and his girlfriend Marina Re, as per Variety.