Actor.  He was usually seen as a villain in French and international films.  He is best-known for “The French Connection” (1971),  in which he played a hit man who leads cop Gene Hackman on a spectacular car and elevated train chase throughout Brooklyn.  He was also memorable as the gay,  right-wing assassin who kills Yves Montand in the political thriller “Z” (1969).  His other credits include “The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun” (1970),  “Bloodline” (1979),  and “La Cage aux Folles II” (1980).  Bozzuffi was born in Rennes,  France,  and made his screen debut in 1955.  He appeared in over 60 films,  one of which,  “L’Americain” (1969),  he also wrote and directed.  In the 1980’s he was active mostly in French televison. (bio by: Bobb Edwards) Cause of death: Cancer