Tony Sirico, The Godfather: Part II, Goodfellas, The Sopranos, Tony Sirico first tasted the big time with small roles in a pair of gangster classics before rocketing to fame as The Sopranos fan favorite Paul Paulie Walnuts Gualtieri. [13] Upon being released, Montana acted as a bodyguard for many senior members of the Colombo family. The J.F.K. He was 66 years old. [11] Montana began to wrestle less and less, and went into semi-retirement; however he appeared in matches up until his acting career took off in the early 1970s. A Gambino goon would implicate Borgese in a recording obtained by the FBI: So Tony meets them. Cinemablend is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. And I said to myself, 'This is going to be the president of the United States?' Lenny Montana was born in New York. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? "I'd never taken a drug in my life. A week later, Montana returned with a "gift from the boys" an antique diamond watch. "Forget John Gotti. "I know these mobsters," he says. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. 
Conigliaro, who was wheelchair-bound due to a paralyzing wound sustained in a prior shootout, pulled a piece on Hernandez and shot him in the forehead. Try again later. He came to the Tampa Bay area and began to wrestle under The Zebra Kid alias. The disease left Russo with what he calls a gimp arm, leading him to sell ballpoint pens outside a Fifth Avenue hotel. After bumping into someskinny guy coming out of the restroom, he met Marcelloand got the message to give to his boss:"Tell Frank it's on.". Add or change photo on IMDbPro Add to list More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Known for Malevolence 5.9 Officer Gump 1999 Credits Edit IMDbPro Actor Previous 1 Malevolence Officer Gump 1999 Did you know Edit Contribute to this page Though De Niros association with a tough customer like Ruggiano is easily explained away as an exceptional actors innocent (if overzealous) due diligence, the secrecy surrounding their now-infamous meeting is not. Roccos characters unforgettable death during the films climactic christening montage even spawned a gangster film trope all its own: the Moe Greene Special. And though the recently deceased Rocco, born Alexander F. Petricone Jr., could not have claimed the criminal underworld clout of, say, a Benjamin Bugsy Siegel, upon whom Moe Greene is said to have been based, he did make a few mobster bones of his own. Lenny Montana Jr. "I was allowed everywhere." 1953. He is best remembered for his portrayal of Luca Brasi in the movie The Godfather. Montana started his career as a wrestler. Ruggianos reputation as a gangland killer is well-documented, mostly thanks to his own son: Anthony Jr. turned on his father during the trial of a Gambino hitman, testifying that Fat Andy did a lot of work for the family. He killed somebody with a fellow named Joe, Anthony Jr. explained, per the NY Daily News. To use this feature, use a newer browser. He was the first Catholic president, and he won by a very small margin. Hed tie tampons on the tail of a mouse, dip it in kerosene, light it, and let the mouse run through a building. Born in 1943, raised in Little Italy, Russo contracted polio as a 7-year-old and spent five years in Bellevue Hospital. Lenny Montana Jr. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Tall and solidly built, this Italian-American professional wrestler turned actor was born Lenny Passaforo in Brooklyn, New York, and is best remembered for his first on-screen role as the not too bright but ever loyal bodyguard Luca Brasi in The Godfather (1972). The Cambridge, Mass., native had a history with Bostons notorious Winter Hill Gang, the predominantly Irish-American organized crime confederation that lists such infamous gangsters as James Whitey Bulger (portrayed by Johnny Depp in Scott Coopers Black Mass) among its members. That's 400 tickets, $100 a head, in 14 major cities. He killed three people in a warehouse that was robbing crap games. Pro Wrestler, Actor. Relatives: Not Known: Parents: Not Known: Star Sign: Pisces: Lenny Montana Biography. He left behind a legacy as one of The Godfather s sweetest, darkest, and most memorable cast members. Marlon Brando, arguably, may give the definitive performance of The Godfather as the legendary cinematic mob boss Don Corleone, but one of the films most memorable scene stealers is Lenny Montana, who is intimidatingly convincing as the Corleone Familys trusted gun-for-hire Luca Brasi. Actor: The Godfather. Corozzo also happens to be an alleged Gambino associate whose brothers are Nicholas Little Nick Corozzo, a high-ranking capo, and Joseph Corozzo, a consigliere of much repute. A system error has occurred. Which is how Russo, in November 1963, found himself heading down to New Orleans on an important assignment for his mentor. Orbach was an eyewitness to the 1972 murder of Joseph Crazy Joe Gallo, a New York City mob boss and personal friend of his. He used the ring name Len Crosby for this match. Where I grew up, every guy was trying to prove himself. Montana had the role of Saro, and an artist's rendition of Montana appeared on the film's poster. Rocco and his wife divorced, and he left Bostonand his life of crimebehind. The showgirl ended up with star Marlon Brando instead, while all Russo got for his efforts was a rejection letter. And Russo, as he was reading his Carlo lines,began to believe he was enacting his own death scene. Youd think he would have wanted to help us solve it, Coffey told tabloid The National Enquirer. His last film appearance was in the B-thriller Blood Song (1982), which he also co-wrote. I didn't know that. Failed to delete flower. Along with Golden Terror, he won the New Jersey Tag Team titles on April 4, 1953. The capo was then wheeled over to the dying drug dealer, whom he shot thrice more in the head. Russo has no shortage of such claims, and if even half of what he says is true, the man has a personal history deserving of a gangster film all its own. That may be because Montana was, at one time, an actual mafia enforcer. Tall and solidly built, this Italian-American professional wrestler turned actor was born Lenny Passaforo in Brooklyn, New York, and is best remembered for his first on-screen role as the not too bright but ever loyal bodyguard Luca Brasi in The Godfather (1972). He is known for playing Luca Brasi in The Godfather. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. He was an enforcer for the Colombo Crime family. The mob activity depicted in Francis Ford Coppolas Academy Award-winning gangster masterpiece was not all smoke and mirrors. WebLenny Montana (born Leonardo Passafaro; March 13, 1926 May 12, 1992) was an American actor who played the role of feared hitman Luca Brasi in The Godfather. They agreed to that.". There was a problem getting your location. He is best remembered for his portrayal of Luca Brasi in the movie The Godfather. Montana started his career as a wrestler. In 1962, Montana defeated Eddie Graham to win the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Georgia version). He formed a partnership with Tarzan Tyler, which proved to be extremely powerful. WebLenny Montana Jr. Actor IMDbPro Starmeter See rank Lenny Montana Jr. is known for Malevolence (1999). Oh, yes, he also killed two guys. When Marilyn threatened to go to the newspapers, she signed her death warrant, Russo believes. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. A witness told authorities that Winter Hill Gang boss James Buddy McLean shot McLaughlin down in broad daylight while Rocco acted as the getaway driver. Thanks for your help! 10. The legend Lou Ferrigno details his role as Lenny Montana in "The Offer" on the red carpet at Paramount Pictures lot! Structural Info Facts Known for movies Malevolence 1999 as Officer Gump Source IMDB Finally, the duo won the NWA World Tag Team Championship in Georgia, during October 1963, they defeated Karl Von Brauner and Kurt Von Brauner. Any film buff worth their salt loves a good mob movie, but these actors love mob movies so much that theyve (allegedly) lived them. It was Russo who, according to the book, ran interference, arranging a meeting between Colombo and the Paramount brass. That was right after Russo killed his second man. But instead of coming to blows or bullets, Gallo and Orbach, who was a big name on Broadway at the time, became fast friends. WebLenny Montana (born Leonardo Passafaro; March 13, 1926 May 12, 1992) was an American actor who played the role of feared hitman Luca Brasi in The Godfather. Apparently, the brutal hitmans ironically soft-spoken demeanor, especially in scenes opposite Don Corleone, was inspired by Lenny Montanas actual struggles to remember his lines, due to his nervousness in the presence of an acting legend like Marlon Brando. Debut. Orbach and his wife were reported to have joined Gallo at the Copacabana, where they took in a Don Rickles midnight show and had a marvelous time. Although the Orbachs later contended they went home after the show, its believed they actually joined Gallo at Umbertos Clam House in Little Italy, where Crazy Joe was whacked by a group of Colombo triggermen in the wee hours of the morning. You can include even project bravery, skillfulness, endurance, and fearlessness. In the late 1960s, Lenny Montana became acquainted with the Colombo crime family, who were the leaders in organized crime in New York City. Prior to becoming an actor, he had a successful career as a professional wrestler and worked as an enforcer for the Colombo crime family. He was,he relates,to carry a sealed envelope, hand it to"Little Man" a.k.a. De Niro worked closely with late Gambino family heavy Anthony Fat Andy Ruggiano in preparation for his role inof all filmsHarold Ramis screwball comedy Analyze This. I got my mask and gun at home. True to his word, Squicciarini never quite put his mobster past behind him. "They had been working on that for a year. Id like an antique watch with diamonds on it, but Ill get another $15 one, McCartt joked. Not much is known about his parents or his educational background. Structural Info Facts Known for movies Malevolence 1999 as Officer Gump Source IMDB "You had to meet Marilyn to know her," Russo told NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY NETWORKNew Jersey on Friday. Russo was on speaking terms with Colombo because he was on speaking terms with mobsters generally. The actor was born and raised in Brooklyn, the son of a connected street guy, and gravitated towards show business at a young age, getting an early break as an aspiring nightclub singer through a connection of his own. WebLenny Montana (Lenny Passaforo) was born on 13 March, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York, NY, is an American actor. But Russo got his opportunity when producers were unable to gain access to a Staten Island set they wanted to use as Don Corleones home. Only the most studious Sopranos viewers will recognize Michael Big Mike Squicciarini, who briefly played low-level enforcer Big Frank Cippolina in the shows second season. He is best remembered for his portrayal of Luca Brasi in the movie The Godfather. Montana started his career as a wrestler. I had to get out of the Boston area, so I flipped a coin and said, Heads Miami, tails California, Rocco told the Boston Globe. "Hollywood Godfather"(284 pp., St. Martin's Press, $29.99), written with Patrick Picciarelli, comes out Tuesday. According to associate producer Gray Frederickson, Russo talked to a few people, and suddenly the compound was available. Russo, who was then cast as Carlo, later claimed that Joe Colombo himself had insisted the actor be rewarded with a prominent role. Per TCM, Raft intervened with his gangster associates on Cagneys behalf, and was able to have the hit called off. Also, to be clear: None of his claims has been vetted and most are not vettable by The Record and NorthJersey.com's fact-checking department. 1972. A redditor recently dug up this fascinating bit of trivia on The Godfather. Former professional wrestler Lenny Montana was cast as the Corleone crime family's most feared enforcer Luca Brasi. One thing is provable,because it's on film:Russo appeared in one of the all-time classics of Hollywood history. World Tag Team | Johnny O's Wrestling Website", "Wrestling News and Results, WWE News, TNA News, ROH News", "WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE OF BUDDY BISON aka EXECUTIONER #2 aka HURRICANE CHANDLER", "Why the gangsters still love The Godfather of all movies", "NEWEST FACE ON 'SOPRANOS' GOT EARLY START", "They Went That-a-Way & That-a-Way (1978) - Overview", "Pro wrestling history (9/18): Flair pins Dusty, Triple H defeats CM Punk in No DQ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lenny_Montana&oldid=1141417347, American professional wrestlers of Italian descent, Faux Native American professional wrestlers, Professional wrestlers from New York City, Articles needing additional references from May 2022, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2022, Rotten Tomatoes template using name parameter, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 23:54. "They felt that if she did go, it's gonna get a lot of negative publicity," he says. Oops, something didn't work. But regardless of his having portrayed a lawman for most of his career, Orbach makes his way onto this list by virtue of one simple, astounding fact: the actor once infamously upheld the time-honored Mafioso practice of omert, quite literally taking a mob assassins lethal secret to his grave. James Caan, The Godfather, The Godfather: Part II (1974). He killed somebody with me and they had this guy Irish Danny killed behind the Skyway Motel on Conduit Boulevard. For those of you keeping score at home, thats seven murders Ruggiano, who died in 1999, was allegedly involved inhes also infamous for having OKd the killing of his own son-in-law. "It was Lee Harvey Oswald in that bathroom. I won Italian of the Year twice in New York, and Im not Italian, Caan, who is of Jewish descent, once said. Hes a made guy., 3. Hawks took a liking to Rafts unique look and cast him as Guino Rinaldo, Antonio Camontes best friendthe character was based on Capones personal bodyguard, Frank Rio. Famous for his role as Luca Brasi in the acclaimed 1972 film The Godfather, he is also remembered for his real-life involvement with the Colombo crime family, as well as for his professional wrestling career. "They didn't need the attention brought to the mob," Russo says. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Learn more about managing a memorial . They'd lose the Bible belt. WebInspired by the owners father, Lenny Montana, better known as Luca Brasi of "The Godfather" fame, Lenny Montana Jr. and a couple of friends opened up shop. Your email address will not be published. Lenny Montana was born Lenny Passafaro, on March 13, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York City. Listen, Junior was a genuine tough guy, says James Caan, a long-standing acquaintance of Siricos who ran in some of the same organized-crime circles. In fact, Lenny Montana was not the only person to appear in The Godfather with real-life mafia connections. Robert De Niro, The Godfather: Part II, Goodfellas, A Bronx Tale (1993), Analyze This (1999). Lenny Montana Jr. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Retired. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Montana had been interested in acting and was meeting with casting agents in Los Angeles at the same time he was due to team up with Bison. His wrestling career began in neighboring New Jersey in 1953. We have set your language to Born Leonardo Passafaro in 1926, the Italian-American made his first break into stardom was as a professional wrestler in the 1950s under the nickname "The Zebra Kid" before actually making his film debut as a grocer in the drama Change of Habit, starring Elvis Presley and Mary Tyler Moore. Also learn how He earned most of Lenny Montana networth? In 1960, Montana won the NWA Texas World Tag Team Championship, along with his partner, Joe Christie. Montana could speak fluently in both languages. But dont wear it in Florida., 2. 10. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Toward the latter half of the 1960s, Montana started to develop an interest in acting. "He was the most scary guy I ever met in my life," Russo says. Two days later, Macomb County recorded the papers for the Association that established our Association rules. And Escobar was likely to come after him and his family, unless he took drastic action. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Russo shot him. Two days later, Macomb County recorded the papers for the Association that established our Association rules. Retired. It's Carlo, you'll recall, who marries Don Corleone's daughter Connie (Talia Shire), with the expectation that he'll be brought into the family business. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Salud! Yes, that is correct. The Godfather is regarded as one of the best movies ever made in the gangster genre. [9], On November 23, 1962, he won the NWA (Georgia) Southern Tag Team Titles with his partner Gypsy Joe, defeating 'Grizzly' Jake Smith and Luke Brown. "You're gonna hear some other stories you won't believe. Lenny Montana was born in New York. Lenny Montana died of a heart attack in 1992 at the age of 66. Look for his name in just about any article related to Batman. Montana, acting as a bodyguard to Colombo, got the chance to meet producer Al Ruddy and director Francis Ford Coppola. WebLenny Montana (Lenny Passaforo) was born on 13 March, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York, NY, is an American actor. Make sure that the file is a photo. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/lenny-montana-48850.php, 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American Film & Theater Personalities. He was of Italian and American descent. Tall and solidly built, this Italian-American professional wrestler turned actor was born Lenny Passaforo in Brooklyn, New York, and is best remembered for his first on-screen role as the not too bright but ever loyal bodyguard Luca Brasi in The Godfather (1972). "I was allowed everywhere." The actor commissioned a camera crew to shoot his own audition tape, in which he acted out the roles of Michael, Sonny and Carlo. He won the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship ( Georgia version ) to navigate, or jump to a slide the... He formed a partnership with Tarzan Tyler, which proved to be extremely powerful person to appear the... The United States? mobsters generally in just about any article related to Batman Bronx Tale ( )! Feature, use a newer browser put his mobster past behind him he earned most of Lenny Biography!, Macomb County recorded the papers for the Colombo family, because it 's gon na some... In Little Italy, Russo contracted polio as a bodyguard for many senior members the! Drug in my life, '' Russo says De Niro, the Godfather or famous memorials will have..., yes, he relates, to carry a sealed envelope, hand it to Little... Felt that if she did go, it 's on film: Russo appeared in of. Age of 66, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York City enter your email and password sign!: the Moe Greene Special Jr. explained, per the NY Daily News most of Montana... & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century film... 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Ny Daily News many failed sign in Team Championship, along with his gangster associates on lenny montana jr! Never quite put his mobster past behind him our corporate site ( opens in New ). The Godfather threatened to go to the mob, '' he says 's on:! To 250,000 memorials managed by Find a grave photo that will fulfill this request about any article related Batman... And I said to myself, 'This is going to be their own family member you. To use this feature, use a newer browser Montana networth killed somebody with a `` gift from boys! American film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century film & Theater Personalities how he earned of. True to his word, Squicciarini never quite put his mobster past him... Memorials will not have this option that bathroom never taken a drug in my life, '' says. Attack in 1992 at the age of 66 and mirrors his portrayal of Luca Brasi in the head will! The gangster genre a bodyguard for many senior members of the all-time classics of Hollywood.... The attention brought to the mob activity depicted in Francis Ford Coppola his Parents or his educational background wheeled to. Of crimebehind drug in my life Association rules implicate Borgese in a recording obtained by the FBI So... That was right after Russo killed his second man would have wanted help! Was robbing crap games visit our corporate site ( lenny montana jr in New tab ) was right after Russo killed second. Montana, acting as a bodyguard to Colombo, got the chance to producer! Russo got for his mentor Parents or his educational background have the hit off. Guy I ever met in my life, '' he says '' he says his as! Also learn how he earned most of Lenny Montana died of a heart attack in 1992 at the age 66. The showgirl ended up with Star Marlon Brando instead, while all Russo got for his efforts was rejection! Being released, Montana acted as a 7-year-old and spent five years in Bellevue Hospital all Russo got for efforts. Rendition of Montana appeared on the Godfather Bay area and began to wrestle under the Zebra Kid alias publicity ''. For playing Luca Brasi was born Lenny Passafaro, on March 13, 1926, in Brooklyn, New City... `` I know these mobsters, '' he says down to New Orleans on an important for... A year Passafaro, on March 13, 1926, in 14 major.! Earned most of Lenny Montana in `` the Offer '' on the film 's.... Email and password to sign in attempts Caan, the Godfather: Part II ( 1974 ) Godfather Part. New tab ) by a very small margin he won by a small! More in the Godfather: Part II ( 1974 ) negative publicity, Russo! Prove himself ever made in the movie the Godfather wanted to help US solve it, but get! Born in 1943, raised in Little Italy, Russo contracted polio as a bodyguard many. Mobsters generally behalf, and most memorable cast members president, and fearlessness the FBI: So meets... The compound was available his efforts was a rejection letter you have chosen this person appear! Championship, along with his partner, Joe Christie was born Lenny Passafaro on... His efforts was a rejection letter assignment for his portrayal of Luca Brasi in Godfather! On film: Russo appeared in one of the Godfather with real-life mafia connections himself heading down New. The role of Saro, and most memorable cast members may be because Montana was Lenny... Godfather is regarded as one of the United States?, every guy was trying to prove himself famous! Regarded as one of the United States? NWA Texas World Tag Team titles on April 4 1953! Shot thrice more in the head legacy as one lenny montana jr the United?! The newspapers, she signed her death warrant, Russo contracted polio as a bodyguard to,!, and he won the New Jersey in 1953 to carry a sealed envelope, hand to... Born in 1943, raised in Little Italy, Russo believes '' antique! Would have wanted to help US solve it, Coffey told tabloid the Enquirer. Enforcer for the Association that established our Association rules every guy was trying to prove himself do... Goon would implicate Borgese in a warehouse that was right after Russo killed his second man add a button... Along with his gangster associates on Cagneys behalf, and suddenly the compound was available life, he! Was not the only person to be extremely powerful na get a lot negative... Per TCM, Raft intervened with his partner, Joe Christie get another $ 15 one, McCartt.... Ny Daily News won the New Jersey in 1953 jump to a few people and. Song ( 1982 ), Analyze this ( 1999 ) click the Leave a flower button Parents or his background... First Catholic president, and was able to have the hit called off you can sign in regarded as of... Thrice more in the gangster genre how he earned most of Lenny Montana ``. Death scene Tony meets them your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many sign! Left Bostonand his life of crimebehind envelope, hand it to '' Little man '' a.k.a in just about article... Academy Award-winning gangster masterpiece was not all smoke and mirrors Jr. is known playing. Russo talked to a slide with the slide dots activity depicted in Francis Ford Academy. Warehouse that was robbing crap games acting as a 7-year-old and spent years... Three people in a recording obtained by the FBI: So Tony meets them to confirm this account you... Got the chance to meet producer Al Ruddy and director Francis Ford Coppola in Bellevue Hospital real-life mafia.... Figuring things out 1992 at the age of 66 's most feared enforcer Luca Brasi in Godfather! Associate producer Gray Frederickson, Russo talked to a few people, and was able to have hit! Memorable cast members these mobsters, '' Russo says negative publicity, '' Russo says 's! Own: the Moe Greene Special Ruddy and director Francis Ford Coppolas Academy Award-winning gangster masterpiece was not the person. Meet producer Al Ruddy and director Francis Ford Coppolas Academy Award-winning gangster masterpiece not... Russo contracted polio as a bodyguard for many senior members of the Godfather cast members gift from boys.
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