Gianni Russo
Biography
Gianni Russo was born Louis Giovanni Gianni Russo on December 12, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States. Before entering acting with comparatively little prior experience, his background included stints as a Las Vegas nightclub emcee, radio personality, and jewelry tycoon. He won his best known role as Carlo Rizzi in the 1972 film The Godfather on the basis of his screen test. Since then, he has remained busy as an actor, mostly playing assorted wiseguys and Mafia types. He also appeared again with Marlon Brando in a small role in the 1990 film The Freshman, in which Brando parodied his Don Corleone role. Russo has accumulated 55 known acting credits throughout his career in film and television.
Career overview
Gianni Russo was born Louis Giovanni Gianni R in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, on December 12, 1943. Before entering the film industry, he had a nebulous background that included stints as a jewelry tycoon, a radio personality, and a Las Vegas nightclub emcee, along with comparatively little acting experience.
Russo won his best-known role as Carlo Rizzi in the 1972 film The Godfather on the basis of his screen test. Since then, he has remained busy as an actor, primarily portraying assorted wiseguys and Mafia types. Among his subsequent appearances, he appeared again with Marlon Brando in a small role in the 1990 film The Freshman, in which Brando parodied his Don Corleone role to good effect.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
57 titles- Ennio (2022) Producer
- Con Man (2018) as Derek Lewis
- Send No Flowers (2013) as Johnny Pisano
- Mulberry St. (2010) as Self
- Prison Break (2005) as Smallhouse
- After the Sunset (2004) as Clippers Fan
- Seabiscuit (2003) as Alberto Gianini
- Red Dragon (2002) as Newsie
- Forbidden Grass (2002) Director
- Rosy-Fingered Dawn: A Film on Terrence Malick (2002) Editor
- Rush Hour 2 (2001) as Red Dragon Pit Boss
- 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001) as Money Cart Guard
- Harvard Man (2001) as Andrew Bandolini
- Strong Medicine (2000)
- The Family Man (2000) as Nick
- Rope Art (2000)
- Any Given Sunday (1999) as Christina's Advisor
- Crossing Paths (1998) as Howard Thomas
- Pacific Palisades (1997) as Frank Nichols
- Striptease (1996) as Willy Rojo
- Kill Shot (1995) as Jake Mondello
- Kill Shot (1995) Writer
- Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) as Morris Foley
- Super Mario Bros. (1993) as Scapelli
- Renegade (1992) as Don Carmine Bendetti
- The Hat Squad (1992) as Fortunata
- Stay Tuned (1992) as Guido
- The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980 (1992) as Carlo Rizzi
- Out for Justice (1991) as Sammy
- Another You (1991) as Carlos
- Silverfox (1991) as Klaus Gerhardt
- Perry Mason: The Case of the Fatal Fashion (1991) as Marco Sabatini
- The Great Pretender (1991) as Davey Desapio
- The Freshman (1990) as Maitre D’ Gourmet Club
- Max Monroe: Loose Cannon (1990) as Ray Dominick
- Side Out (1990) as Dick Sydney
- Hardball (1989)
- Chances Are (1989) as Anthony Bonino
- Jake and the Fatman (1987)
- Wiseguy (1987)
- Wiseguy: Pilot (1987) as David 'Dave' Steelgrave
- Hunter (1984) as Tony Rondino
- Winter Kills (1979) as Co-Pilot
- Laserblast (1978) as Tony Craig
- Mario Puzo's The Godfather: The Complete Novel for Television (1977) as Carlo Rizzi (uncredited)
- Lepke (1975) as Albert Anastasia
- The Four Deuces (1975) as Chip Morono - the 'Deuce of Clubs'
- The Slight (1975) as Salvatore Mannino (as Luis Vito Russo)
- The Rockford Files (1974) as Johnny Bongard
- The Rockford Files (1974) as Gianni Tedesco
- The Godfather Part II (1974) as Carlo Rizzi
- Kojak (1973) as Russ Barton
- Toma (1973)
- The Bait (1973) as Gianni Ruggeri
- The Godfather (1972) as Carlo Rizzi
- Goodnight, My Love (1972) as Michael Tarlow
- 7 anniversari Producer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Gianni Russo best known for?
Gianni Russo is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Ennio (2022), Con Man (2018), Closer (2004), After the Sunset (2004).
When and where was Gianni Russo born?
Gianni Russo was born on December 12, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA.
How many credits does Gianni Russo have?
Gianni Russo has accumulated over 57 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1972 to 2022.
What is Gianni Russo's background in cinema and television?
Gianni Russo was born Louis Giovanni Gianni Russo on December 12, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States. Before entering acting with comparatively little prior experience, his background included stints as a Las Vegas nightclub emcee, radio personality, and jewelry tycoon. He won his best known role...
Gianni Russo by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Godfather (1972) as Carlo Rizzi — aged about 28
- Mario Puzo's The Godfather: The Complete Novel for Television (1977) as Carlo Rizzi (uncredited) — aged about 33
- The Godfather Part II (1974) as Carlo Rizzi — aged about 30
- Prison Break (2005) as Smallhouse — aged about 61
- The Rockford Files (1974) as Johnny Bongard — aged about 30
- The Rockford Files (1974) as Gianni Tedesco — aged about 30
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