Born in the Bronx, NY; educated at Columbia. He ran a construction company before starting his acting career in 1963 with the New Yiddish Theatre. Character player of the American stage, TV and occasional films; at his most convincing in the portrayal of Italian-Americans and other ethnic types. He was nominated for an Oscar® as best supporting actor for his performance in LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS (1970) in a role he had earlier played on Broadway. Also memorable as Peter Clemenza in THE GODFATHER (1972). His only feature films after that were NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER (1980) and GANGSTER WARS (1981). He appeared as the title character in the 1975 - 1976 TV series "Joe and Sons." He died in New Jersey from a heart attack on December 10, 1988.  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1970: LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS 1 nomination