James Luisi
Biography
James Luisi was an American actor and professional basketball player born in New York City. He attended St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights on a basketball scholarship and served in the Army during the Korean War. Luisi played for the Baltimore Bullets in the National Basketball Association during the 1953-54 season. His acting career began on Broadway in the musicals Zorba and Sweet Charity. He appeared in the 1973 film I Escaped from Devil's Island. Much of his later work was for television. In 1976, Luisi shared a daytime Emmy for best actor for his portrayal of George Washington in the daytime drama special First Ladies Diaries: Martha Was. He died on June 7, 2002.
Career overview
James Luisi was an American actor and professional basketball player born in New York City. He attended St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights on a basketball scholarship and served in the Army during the Korean War. Luisi played one season in the National Basketball Association from 1953 to 1954 with the Baltimore Bullets.
His acting career began on the stage, where he appeared in the Broadway musicals Zorba and Sweet Charity. His early film roles were minor, including a part in the 1973 movie I Escaped from Devil's Island. While much of his later work was produced for television, he is known for appearances in Mary Tyler Moore, Disneyland, and East Side/West Side.
In 1976, Luisi shared a daytime Emmy for best actor for his portrayal of George Washington in a daytime drama special titled First Ladies Diaries: Martha Was. Luisi died on June 7, 2002, at the age of 73.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
84 titles- The Rockford Files: If the Frame Fits... (1996) as Capt. Doug Chapman
- The Rockford Files: Friends and Foul Play (1996) as Capt. Doug Chapman
- Baywatch Nights (1995) as Murray
- Silk Stalkings (1991)
- Dark Justice (1991)
- Lethal Woman (1989) as Colonel Jerry Maxim
- Feds! (1988) as Sperry
- The Hidden (1987) as Ferrari Salesman
- L.A. Law (1986) as Paul Viola
- The Hogan Family (1986)
- Murphy's Law (1986) as Ed Reineke
- Hell Town (1985)
- Finder of Lost Loves (1984) as Jordan Hollis
- Partners in Crime (1984)
- The Red-Light Sting (1984) as Renny Lucas
- The A-Team (1983) as Jimmy Durkee
- Star 80 (1983) as Roy
- The Renegades (1983) as Lt. Marciano
- Sunset Limousine (1983) as Angel
- Knight Rider (1982) as D.G. Grebs
- T. J. Hooker (1982) as George Laszlo
- T. J. Hooker (1982) as Vincent Hazzard
- Matt Houston (1982)
- The Renegades (1982) as Lt. Joe Marciano
- The Fall Guy (1981)
- Here's Boomer (1981)
- Our Family Business (1981) as Frank
- Magnum, P.I. (1980) as John Walter Costa
- Fade to Black (1980) as Capt. M.L. Gallagher
- The Asphalt Cowboy (1980) as Lt. Lassiter
- Knots Landing (1979) as Lieutenant Gilbert Garcia
- Hart to Hart (1979)
- Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979) as Hood
- Norma Rae (1979) as George Benson
- Harris and Company (1979)
- Fantasy Island (1978) as Arbogast
- Vega$ (1978)
- The Eddie Capra Mysteries (1978)
- Sword of Justice (1978)
- Moment by Moment (1978) as Dan Santini
- Killer's Delight (1978) as Sgt. Vince De Carlo
- A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story (1978) as Lazzeri
- One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story (1978) as Jimmy Karalla
- Love Is Not Enough (1978) as Harry Foreman
- CHiPs (1977)
- Hunter (1977)
- Contract on Cherry Street (1977) as Al Palmini / Arnold Palmer
- Stunts (1977) as Alvin Blake
- Quincy, M.E. (1976)
- City of Angels (1976)
- Good Heavens (1976)
- Spencer's Pilots (1976)
- Future Cop (1976) as Paterno
- Starsky & Hutch (1975)
- Wonder Woman (1975) as George
- S.W.A.T. (1975)
- First Ladies Diaries: Martha Washington (1975) as George Washington
- The Rockford Files (1974) as Doug Chapman
- The Rockford Files (1974) as Burt Stryker
- Honky Tonk (1974) as Blackie
- The Take (1974) as Benedetto
- The Man from Independence (1974) as Stranger
- Barnaby Jones (1973) as Nick Gorman
- Barnaby Jones (1973) as Burt Logan
- Kojak (1973) as Det. Geno Alessi
- Kojak (1973) as Capt. Henry 'Hank' Rosseau
- Police Story (1973)
- Hawkins (1973) as Andy Tyler
- I Escaped from Devil's Island (1973) as Dazzas
- Cry Rape (1973) as Det. Kroger
- Ghost Story (1972) as Rick
- The Rookies (1972)
- The Streets of San Francisco (1972)
- Ben (1972) as Ed
- Cannon (1971)
- Cat Ballou (1971) as Spider Levinsky
- Adam-12 (1968) as Antonio Minetti
- Ironside (1967) as Mike Purcell
- The F.B.I. (1965) as Sam Kehoe
- The F.B.I. (1965) as Little Julio
- Another World (1964)
- The Rifleman (1958)
- Naked City (1958) as Mark Andrew
- Gunsmoke (1955) as Ivers
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is James Luisi best known for?
James Luisi is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Bonjour Tristesse (1958), The Searchers (1956), Dark Justice (1991), The Hidden (1987).
When and where was James Luisi born?
James Luisi was born on November 11, 1928 in New York City, New York, USA. They passed away on June 7, 2002.
How many credits does James Luisi have?
James Luisi has accumulated over 84 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1955 to 1996.
What is James Luisi's background in cinema and television?
James Luisi was an American actor and professional basketball player born in New York City. He attended St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights on a basketball scholarship and served in the Army during the Korean War. Luisi played for the Baltimore Bullets in the National Basketball Association during the 1953-54 seaso...