Vittorio “Vito” Pirbazari, a 44-year-old actor and bodybuilder known for his role in Netflix’s “Dogs of Berlin,” passed away following a heart attack while using a treadmill at a gym in Berlin, Germany.

On April 2, 2025, the fitness influencer collapsed during his workout. The news was confirmed by his friend and fellow actor, Said Ibrahim, via Instagram the next day.

Pirbazari had just returned to his training regimen after a three-month hiatus due to surgery for a pectoral muscle tear. He had posted a gym photo on Instagram a day before his death, sharing his fitness journey with his 90,000 followers.

“I have not been able to exercise much for the past three months, but I’m trying intervals on the treadmill,” Pirbazari stated in his final social media update on March 30. “Taking it slowly as my legs are not fully healed. Working hard on my diet and trying to get better day by day.”

The German-Iranian actor had been dealing with several health issues in recent months. In addition to recovering from chest surgery, he had sustained minor injuries to his spine and legs from a car accident, as reported by various news outlets.

Despite these setbacks, Pirbazari was committed to regaining his fitness. Friends described him as determined and passionate about his physical training.

In addition to his role as Daher Tarik in “Dogs of Berlin,” Pirbazari featured in Germany’s long-running crime series “Tatort” and the film “Haps – Crime Doesn’t Pay,” where he played a prisoner. The Instagram page for “Haps” acknowledged his death with a tribute.

“Thank you for your warmth, your creative spirit, and for being a part of our journey,” the film’s Instagram page stated.

Pirbazari was also a notable figure in the German fitness community. He was a member of the YouTube fitness group “Hardgainer Crew” and founded a supplement company named Caps Plus Products.

His journey to becoming a bodybuilder involved overcoming significant challenges. Pirbazari had previously dealt with obesity and had a disability rating of 50% following a car accident in his youth. Nevertheless, he placed seventh in the German bodybuilding championship in 2015.

Ibrahim, who announced Pirbazari’s death, described him as having a “soft heart like that of a ten-year-old child,” contrasting his formidable appearance with his gentle nature.

Friends and colleagues were taken aback by his sudden passing. Many described him as helpful and kind-hearted, noting that he was a good person despite his intimidating physique.

The actor and bodybuilder is survived by his girlfriend and their son, born in 2020.

The exact details surrounding his heart attack remain unclear, although friends noted that he had been cautious in resuming training following his recent injuries and surgery.

Throughout his career, Pirbazari balanced his passion for bodybuilding with his acting pursuits, becoming a recognized figure in German entertainment. His final Instagram posts reflected his intention to rebuild his strength after recent health setbacks.