Michael V. Gazzo
Biography
Michael Vincenzo Gazzo was born on April 5, 1923, in Hillside, New Jersey, United States, and died on February 14, 1995, at the age of 71. He was an American playwright who later in life became a movie and television actor. Known in the industry for his acting credits, he achieved widespread recognition for his role in the 1974 film The Godfather Part II, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Throughout his career, his work extended across both film and television, with credits including appearances in productions such as The Godfather: A Novel for Television and The Defenders. He was also known professionally by variations of his name, including Michael Ga, Michael Vincente Gazzo, Michael Vincent Gazzo, and Michael Gazzo.
Career overview
Michael Vincenzo Gazzo was an American playwright who later in life worked as a movie and television actor. Born on April 5, 1923, in Hillside, New Jersey, USA, his career included sixty-two known acting credits on the screen. Throughout his professional life, he also went by the names Michael Ga, Michael Vincente Gazzo, Michael Vincent Gazzo, and Michael Gazzo.
Among his film and television work, he became best known for his role in the 1974 film The Godfather Part II, which is also cited as Kmotr II. For his performance in this film, he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Additional screen credits associated with his career include appearances in The Godfather: A Novel for Television and The Defenders.
Gazzo passed away on February 14, 1995, at the age of 71. His legacy in the entertainment industry remains defined by his contributions as both a playwright and a notable supporting actor in film and television productions during his lifetime.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
67 titles- The Godfather: The Complete Epic 1901–1959 (2016) as Frank Pentangeli
- Nothing to Lose (1994) as Joe
- Last Action Hero (1993) as Torelli
- The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980 (1992) as Frankie Pentangeli
- Ring of the Musketeers (1992) as Papa
- Cookie (1989) as Carmine
- Jake and the Fatman (1987) as Joseph DaSilva
- L.A. Law (1986) as Roscoe Zambini
- Blood Ties (1986) as Joseph Salina
- 1st & Ten (1984)
- 1st & Ten (1984) as Sal Arcola
- Cannonball Run II (1984) as Sonny
- Fear City (1984) as Mike
- Sudden Impact (1983) as Threlkis (uncredited)
- The Winter of Our Discontent (1983) as Marullo
- Cagney & Lacey (1982) as Dino Lampella
- The Fall Guy (1981) as Ricco
- Darkroom (1981) as Nino
- Body and Soul (1981) as Frankie
- Back Roads (1981) as Tazio
- Sizzle (1981) as Nick Tripoli
- Magnum, P.I. (1980) as Victor DiGorgio
- Alligator (1980) as Chief Clark
- B.A.D. Cats (1980) as Junkyard George Karosky
- Cuba Crossing (1980) as Rossellini (as Michael Gazzo)
- The Border (1980) as Chico Suarez
- Hoodlums (1980) as Gus Azziello
- Supertrain (1979) as Henry Menkton
- Beggarman, Thief (1979) as Sartene
- The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) as Harry the Trainer
- Love and Bullets (1979) as Lobo
- Beggarman, Thief (1979) as Sartene
- Beach Patrol (1979) as Banker
- Taxi (1978) as Vince
- Vega$ (1978) as Cruger Hallow
- King of the Gypsies (1978) as Spiro Giorgio
- Fingers (1978) as Ben
- Mario Puzo's The Godfather: The Complete Novel for Television (1977) as Frankie Pentangeli
- Lucan (1977)
- Black Sunday (1977) as Muzi
- Alice (1976) as Gino Tarantella
- Brinks: The Great Robbery (1976) as Mario Russo
- Starsky & Hutch (1975) as Joe Durniak
- Baretta (1975) as Rico Giove
- Switch (1975) as Tony
- Ellery Queen (1975) as Benny Franks
- Welcome Back, Kotter (1975) as Angelo DeMora
- The Godfather Part II (1974) as Frank Pentangeli
- Crazy Joe (1974)
- Barnaby Jones (1973) as Mr. Farinelli
- Kojak (1973) as Joel Adrian
- Klobouk plný deště (1973) Theatre Play
- Columbo (1971) as Vittorio Rossi
- The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight (1971) as A Black Suit
- Alta comedia (1970) Writer
- Medical Center (1969) as Leo Gardena
- A Hatful of Rain (1968) Screenplay
- A Hatful of Rain (1968) Teleplay
- A Man Called Adam (1966) as Minor Role (uncredited)
- The Defenders (1961) as Schultz
- King Creole (1958) Screenplay
- A Hatful of Rain (1957) Screenplay
- A Hatful of Rain (1957) Theatre Play
- On the Waterfront (1954) as Bit (uncredited)
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Marullo
- Robert Montgomery Presents (1950)
- Suspense (1949) as Handler
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Michael V. Gazzo best known for?
Michael V. Gazzo is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Last Action Hero (1993), Jake and the Fatman (1987), L.A. Law (1986), The Secret of My Success (1987).
When and where was Michael V. Gazzo born?
Michael V. Gazzo was born on April 5, 1923 in Hillside, New Jersey, USA. They passed away on February 14, 1995.
How many credits does Michael V. Gazzo have?
Michael V. Gazzo has accumulated over 67 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1949 to 2016.
What is Michael V. Gazzo's background in cinema and television?
Michael Vincenzo Gazzo was born on April 5, 1923, in Hillside, New Jersey, United States, and died on February 14, 1995, at the age of 71. He was an American playwright who later in life became a movie and television actor. Known in the industry for his acting credits, he achieved widespread recognition for his role in...
Michael V. Gazzo by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Marullo — aged about 28
- Mario Puzo's The Godfather: The Complete Novel for Television (1977) as Frankie Pentangeli — aged about 54
- The Godfather Part II (1974) as Frank Pentangeli — aged about 51
- Columbo (1971) as Vittorio Rossi — aged about 48
- On the Waterfront (1954) as Bit (uncredited) — aged about 31
- The Fall Guy (1981) as Ricco — aged about 58
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