Joe Viterelli

Born:March 10, 1937

Place of Birth:New York, USA

Died:January 28, 2004

Known For:Acting

Biography

Joe Viterelli, born on March 10, 1937, in the Bronx, New York, was a distinguished Italian American actor celebrated for his compelling portrayal of mafioso characters on the big screen. Prior to his illustrious acting career, Viterelli led a successful business life in the bustling streets of New York City, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.

Despite initial reluctance, Joe Viterelli eventually embraced the world of acting, thanks to the encouragement of director Leo Penn, a dear friend and mentor. It was Sean Penn who eventually convinced Viterelli to dip his toes into the realm of acting, leading to his breakout role in the film "State of Grace." From there, Joe Viterelli's career skyrocketed, landing him in over 40 movies and solidifying his status as a quintessential figure in Mafia-themed films.

Known for his distinctive Italian features and commanding presence on screen, Joe Viterelli captivated audiences with his authentic performances and undeniable charisma. His contributions to the world of cinema left an indelible mark, earning him a special place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts worldwide.

Tragically, Joe Viterelli's life was cut short on January 28, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nevada, due to complications arising from heart surgery. His sudden passing left a void in the entertainment industry, robbing it of a talented actor whose talent knew no bounds. Despite his untimely demise, Viterelli's legacy lives on through his memorable roles and unforgettable performances that continue to resonate with viewers.

In his final acting endeavors, Joe Viterelli portrayed a mobster in a 2004 Super Bowl commercial for Staples, Inc., showcasing his enduring appeal and captivating presence on screen. His last film role as Jelly in Harold Ramis' "Analyze That" served as a poignant farewell to a remarkable career that spanned decades.

Joe Viterelli's unparalleled talent, unwavering dedication, and magnetic on-screen persona solidified his status as a legendary figure in the world of cinema. His contributions to the art of acting and his unforgettable portrayals of mobsters have left an indelible mark on the film industry, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Shallow Hal

Steve Shanahan

2001

After taking his dying father's advice, Hal dates only the embodiments of female physical perfection. But that all changes after Hal has an unexpected run-in with self-help guru Tony Robbins. Intrigued by Hal's shallowness, Robbins hypnotizes him into seeing the beauty that exists even in the least physically appealing women. Hal soon falls for Rosemary, but he doesn't realize that his gorgeous girlfriend is actually a 300-pound-not-so-hottie.

The Firm

Joey Morolto (uncredited)

1993

Mitch McDeere is a young man with a promising future in Law. About to sit his Bar exam, he is approached by 'The Firm' and made an offer he doesn't refuse. Seduced by the money and gifts showered on him, he is totally oblivious to the more sinister side of his company. Then, two Associates are murdered. The FBI contact him, asking him for information and suddenly his life is ruined. He has a choice - work with the FBI, or stay with the Firm. Either way he will lose his life as he knows it. Mitch figures the only way out is to follow his own plan...

Eraser

Tony Two-Toes

1996

U.S. Marshall John Kruger erases the identities of people enrolled in the Witness Protection Program. His current assignment is to protect Lee Cullen, who's uncovered evidence that the weapons manufacturer she works for has been selling to terrorist groups. When Kruger discovers that there's a corrupt agent within the program, he must guard his own life while trying to protect Lee's.

Analyze This

Jelly

1999

Countless wiseguy films are spoofed in this film that centers on the neuroses and angst of a powerful Mafia racketeer who suffers from panic attacks. When Paul Vitti needs help dealing with his role in the "family," unlucky shrink Dr. Ben Sobel is given just days to resolve Vitti's emotional crisis and turn him into a happy, well-adjusted gangster.

Analyze That

Jelly

2002

The mafia's Paul Vitti is back in prison and will need some serious counseling when he gets out. Naturally, he returns to his analyst Dr. Ben Sobel for help and finds that Sobel needs some serious help himself as he has inherited the family practice, as well as an excess stock of stress.

State of Grace

Borelli

1990

Hell's Kitchen, New York. Terry Noonan returns home after a ten-year absence. He soon reconnects with Jackie, a childhood friend and member of the Irish mob, and rekindles his love affair with Jackie's sister Kathleen.

Jane Austen's Mafia!

Clamato

1998

Takeoff on the Godfather with the son of a mafia king taking over for his dying father.

Mickey Blue Eyes

Vinnie D'Agostino

1999

An English auctioneer proposes to the daughter of a mafia kingpin, only to realize that certain "favors" would be asked of him.

Bullets Over Broadway

Nick Valenti

1994

After young playwright, David Shayne obtains funding for his play from gangster Nick Valenti, Nick's girlfriend Olive miraculously lands the role of a psychiatrist—but not only is she a bimbo who could never pass for a psychiatrist—she's a dreadful actress. David puts up with the leading man who is a compulsive eater, the grand dame who wants her part jazzed up, and Olive's interfering hitman/bodyguard—but, eventually he must decide whether art or life is more important.

The Crossing Guard

Joe

1995

Unable to move on from the loss of his daughter, Freddy, now a shell of the person he was before, swears to kill the man responsible for her death.