Reni Santoni

Born:April 21, 1939

Place of Birth:New York City, New York, USA

Died:August 1, 2020

Known For:Acting

Biography

Reni Santoni, a talented American actor of French and Spanish descent, left a lasting impact on the world of film, television, and voice acting. Born on April 21, 1939, in the vibrant city of New York, Santoni's career took off in the world of off-Broadway theatre, where he honed his craft and developed a passion for storytelling through acting.

Stepping into the realm of cinema, Santoni made his mark with a variety of roles that showcased his versatility and skill. From his uncredited but impactful appearance in "The Pawnbroker" to his leading role in Carl Reiner's "Enter Laughing," Santoni's talent shone brightly on the silver screen. He truly captivated audiences with his portrayal of characters like Inspector "Chico" González in the iconic film "Dirty Harry" and detective Tony Gonzales in the action-packed "Cobra."

Beyond the big screen, Santoni's presence graced numerous television shows, where he delivered memorable performances that further solidified his place in the entertainment industry. From "Barnaby Jones" to "Seinfeld," Santoni's range as an actor was evident in the diverse roles he brought to life with authenticity and charisma.

As the years went by, Santoni's dedication to his craft remained unwavering, allowing him to continue captivating audiences well into the 21st century. His portrayal of "Poppie" on the beloved TV series "Seinfeld" and "Captain Carlos Rodríguez" in Carl Reiner's comedy "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" are just a few examples of his enduring talent and ability to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Reni Santoni's legacy as an actor goes beyond the characters he portrayed on screen; it extends to the hearts of those who had the privilege of watching him bring stories to life with his remarkable talent. His contributions to the world of entertainment will always be remembered, cherished, and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. Santoni's passion for acting and storytelling will forever be a part of the cinematic tapestry that enriches our lives and inspires future generations of performers.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Rain Man

(voice)

1988

When car dealer Charlie Babbitt learns that his estranged father has died, he returns home to Cincinnati, where he discovers that he has a savant older brother named Raymond and that his father's $3 million fortune is being left to the mental institution in which Raymond lives. Motivated by his father's money, Charlie checks Raymond out of the facility in order to return with him to Los Angeles. The brothers' cross-country trip ends up changing both their lives.

Groundhog Day

State Trooper (voice) (uncredited)

1993

A narcissistic TV weatherman, along with his attractive-but-distant producer, and his mawkish cameraman, is sent to report on Groundhog Day in the small town of Punxsutawney, where he finds himself repeating the same day over and over.

Dirty Harry

Chico

1971

When a madman dubbed 'Scorpio' terrorizes San Francisco, hard-nosed cop, Harry Callahan – famous for his take-no-prisoners approach to law enforcement – is tasked with hunting down the psychopath.

Cobra

Sergeant Gonzales

1986

A tough-on-crime street cop must protect the only surviving witness to a strange murderous cult with far reaching plans.

Brewster's Millions

Vin Rapelito

1985

Monty Brewster, an aging minor-league baseball player, stands to inherit $300 million if he can successfully spend $30 million in 30 days without anything to show for it, and without telling anyone what he's up to... A task that's a lot harder than it sounds!

Doctor Dolittle

Rat #1 (Voice)

1998

A successful physician and devoted family man, John Dolittle seems to have the world by the tail, until a long suppressed talent he possessed as a child, the ability to communicate with animals is suddenly reawakened with a vengeance! Now every creature within squawking distance wants the good doctor's advice, unleashing an outrageous chain of events that turns his world upside down!

Dr. Dolittle 2

Rat #2 (voice)

2001

A group of beavers ask Dr. Dolittle to save their habitat from loggers. The only hope is to get the forest preserved because it's the home of a protected bear, but there's a problem: the bear's the only bear in the forest, so she can't reproduce. Undaunted, Dolittle persuades a circus bear to help out, but he has to teach him not just the ways of the wild, but the wiles of lady bears too.

28 Days

Daniel

2000

After getting into a car accident while drunk on the day of her sister's wedding, Gwen Cummings is given a choice between prison or a rehab center. She chooses rehab, but is extremely resistant to taking part in any of the treatment programs they have to offer, refusing to admit that she has an alcohol addiction.

The Package

Chicago Police Lieutenant

1989

Experienced Green Beret sergeant Johnny Gallagher is escorting a prisoner, Airborne Ranger Thomas Boyette, back to the US, but Boyette escapes and Gallagher must risk life and limb to catch him.

Private Parts

Vallesecca

1997

The life and career of shock-jock superstar Howard Stern is recounted from his humble beginnings to his view from the top. Possessing a desire to be an on-air personality since childhood, Stern meanders through the radio world, always with his supportive wife, Alison, by his side. Landing a gig in Washington, D.C., Stern meets Robin Quivers, who will become his long-time partner in crime. When the two move to New York, they face the wrath of NBC executives.

Summer Rental

Announcer (voice)

1985

Jack Chester, an overworked air traffic controller, takes his family on vacation to the beach. Things immediately start to go wrong for the Chesters, and steadily get worse. Jack ends up in a feud with a local yachtsman, and has to race him to regain his pride and family's respect.

Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid

Carlos Rodriguez

1982

Juliet Forrest is convinced that the reported death of her father in a mountain car crash was no accident. Her father was a prominent cheese scientist working on a secret recipe. To prove it was murder, she enlists the services of private eye Rigby Reardon. He finds a slip of paper containing a list of people who are 'The Friends and Enemies of Carlotta'.