Growing up in New York speaking Italian before he learned English, he
later worked as a civilian interpreter during WWII deciphering Italian
and Sicilian dialects for the U.S. government.
Originally set out to be a concert pianist. His father was a musician
and piano builder and played in orchestras backing up such musical
luminaries Jimmy Durante, Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor.
Helped Robert De Niro with the Sicilian dialog in "The Godfather Part
II.".
Had minor roles in a large number of director Garry Marshall's films.
Enrolled at Manhattan College as a drama major.
Tall and imposing-looking Italian-American character 'tough guy' who
contributed hundreds of roles to Broadway, film and TV, playing both
cops and pugnacious bad guys.
Once co-hosted a radio show titled "Offbeat Notes on Music" for
KCSN.
During World War II he worked as a civilian interpreter, deciphering
Italian and Sicilian dialects for the U.S. government.
Was in S1 ep10 of "Mannix" that also starred his younger brother Joseph, although they never appeared together in any scene.
Died of complications from Crohn's disease, a disease that causes
inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.