Tony Giorgio

Born:September 27, 1923

Place of Birth:Herkimer, New York, USA

Died:February 1, 2012

Known For:Acting

Biography

Tony Giorgio, a versatile actor with a captivating presence, was born in Herkimer, New York, on September 27, 1923. Growing up in Schenectady, NY during The Great Depression, Giorgio's early introduction to show business came through his passion for magic. Starting as a professional "amateur", he dazzled audiences with his illusions in talent shows, eventually transitioning to performing in the circus at just twelve years old.

Giorgio's foray into the world of entertainment took a significant turn when he made his debut on the silver screen as a card dealer in "Big Hand for the Little Lady." This marked the beginning of a prolific career that spanned over 100 movies and TV shows, showcasing his remarkable talent and versatility as an actor. His Emmy-winning performance in "Ziggy's Gift" solidified his reputation as a skilled performer with a knack for bringing characters to life.

One of Giorgio's most memorable roles was portraying Bruno Tattaglia in the iconic film "The Godfather", a role that left a lasting impact on audiences and solidified his status as a formidable character actor. His portrayal of Frank Palancio in "Magnum Force" further demonstrated his ability to inhabit complex and nuanced characters with depth and authenticity. In "American Me", Giorgio's portrayal of Don Scagnelli added another layer of intensity to his already impressive body of work.

In addition to his film and television roles, Giorgio also showcased his talents on the stage, taking on the role of Big Julie in "Guys and Dolls" alongside the legendary Milton Berle. His stage presence and commanding performances captivated audiences, further establishing him as a versatile and accomplished actor with a wide range of abilities.

Throughout his career, Giorgio's dedication to his craft and his ability to bring a sense of authenticity to each character he portrayed set him apart as a respected and admired figure in the entertainment industry. His contributions to film, television, and stage left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, earning him a place among the most talented and revered actors of his generation.

Tony Giorgio's legacy as an actor continues to endure, with his performances serving as a testament to his immense talent and passion for the art of storytelling. His ability to embody a diverse range of characters with depth and nuance remains a source of inspiration for aspiring actors and a source of admiration for audiences around the world. Tony Giorgio's impact on the world of entertainment is truly immeasurable, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Godfather

Bruno Tattaglia

1972

Spanning the years 1945 to 1955, a chronicle of the fictional Italian-American Corleone crime family. When organized crime family patriarch, Vito Corleone barely survives an attempt on his life, his youngest son, Michael steps in to take care of the would-be killers, launching a campaign of bloody revenge.

Cop Land

Ceremonial Officer

1997

Freddy Heflin is the sheriff of a place everyone calls “Cop Land” — a small and seemingly peaceful town populated by the big city police officers he’s long admired. Yet something ugly is taking place behind the town’s peaceful facade. And when Freddy uncovers a massive, deadly conspiracy among these local residents, he is forced to take action and make a dangerous choice between protecting his idols and upholding the law.

Magnum Force

Frank Palancio

1973

"Dirty" Harry Callahan is a San Francisco Police Inspector on the trail of a group of rogue cops who have taken justice into their own hands. When shady characters are murdered one after another in grisly fashion, only Dirty Harry can stop them.

American Me

Don Antonio Scagnelli

1992

During his 18 years in Folsom Prison, street-gang leader Santana rules over all the drug-and-murder activities behind bars. Upon his release, Santana goes back to his old neighborhood, intending to lead a peaceful, crime-free life. But his old gang buddies force him back into his old habits.

The Sting II

Rossovich (Macalinski's Man)

1983

Hooker and Gondorf pull a con on Macalinski, an especially nasty mob boss with the help of Veronica, a new grifter. They convince this new victim that Hooker is a somewhat dull boxer who is tired of taking dives for Gondorf. There is a ringer. Lonigan, their victim from the first movie, is setting them up to take the fall.