Richard S. Castellano
Date of Birth:
4 September 1933, The Bronx, New York, USA
Date of Death:
10 December 1988, North Bergen, New Jersey, USA (heart attack)
Birth Name:
Richard Salvatore Castellano
Nickname:
Richie
Height:
5' 9" (1.75 m)
Mini Biography:
Bronx born, stocky Italian-American actor who only appeared in a handful of films, yet earned some degree of immortality for his role as the loyal Corleone capo "Peter Clemenza" teaching Al Pacino how to shoot a crooked police captain in the iconic gangster film The Godfather (1972). He was originally a construction company manager, then he gained work with the New Yiddish Theatre, before breaking into film near his thirtieth birthday. However in 1970, in only his fourth film, Castellano received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance in Lovers and Other Strangers (1970) and came to the attention of casting agents for The Godfather (1972). After his strong showing as a tough hoodlum in The Godfather (1972), he became somewhat typecast as a screen criminal and appeared in further crime films including Honor Thy Father (1973) (TV) and Gangster Wars (1981).
He died in December 1988 from a heart attack at the age of 55.
Spouse:
Ardell Sheridan (? - 10 December 1988) (his death)
The Godfather 
UK Cinema Release Date:
Official Site:
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Starring:
Genres:
Language:
Runtime:
Movie Synopsis:
The story begins as "Don" Vito Corleone, the head of a New York Mafia "family", oversees his daughter's wedding. His beloved son Michael has just come home from the war, but does not intend to become part of his father's business. Through Michael's life the nature of the family business becomes clear. The business of the family is just like the head of the family, kind and benevolent to those who give respect, but given to ruthless violence whenever anything stands against the good of the family. Don Vito lives his life in the way of the old country, but times are changing and some don't want to follow the old ways and look out for community and "family". An up and coming rival of the Corleone family wants to start selling drugs in New York, and needs the Don's influence to further his plan. The clash of the Don's fading old world values and the new ways will demand a terrible price, especially from Michael, all for the sake of the family.
Click here to get an e-mail alert when The Godfather is showing in a UK cinema near you. Have you seen this film? Click here to review/comment on The Godfather.