EXCLUSIVE

Leo O'Brien, one of the stars of "The Last Dragon" ... has died in NYC, TMZ has learned.

Leo played Bruce Leroy's little brother Richie Green in the 1985 cult classic film.

Details surrounding O'Brien's death are unclear ... but law enforcement sources tell us the actor passed away Wednesday morning, and an autopsy is scheduled for today.

Leo's "Dragon" co-star Taimak (Bruce Leroy) says family members believe O'Brien had been in failing health recently.

As TMZ first reported ... O'Brien survived two gunshot wounds just over a year ago in Harlem. Police arrested a suspect who was charged with attempted murder.

O'Brien was 41 years old.