Lead and character player who began his career on TV in the 1970s and achieved his movie breakthrough in "The Idolmaker" (1982), Taylor Hackford's stinging look at exploitation in the music business. Sharkey has appeared in several Paul Mazursky films, notably as Phil D'Amico in the engaging "Willie and Phil" (1980). He excelled in tough, urban roles and is known for his role as mob boss Sonny Steelgrave in the popular TV series, "Wiseguy".