A veteran character actor who compiled a long string of TV and film credits playing tough guys has died. Deadline.com reports that Tony Longo died in his sleep at his home in Marina del Rey, Calif. He was 53.

His manager said she received word of Longo’s death on Sunday, the report notes.

Longo’s intimidating stature — he was 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds — made him a natural to play tough guys, and he parlayed it into a career spanning more than 30 years and more than 160 credits.

His TV work included a run as Luke Kackley on “Police Academy: The Series” and several appearances on “Empty Nest.” In the 1980s he played Mad Dog Smears on “1st & Ten: The Championship” and Fat Jack on “Perfect Strangers.”

His guest appearances included “Simon & Simon,” “Coach,” “Nash Bridges” and “Six Feet Under,” among many other series.

Longo’s film roles included “The Last Boy Scout,” “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days” and “Mulholland Drive.”