Raised in Bensonhurst, NY

Was a Golden Glove boxer

Founded Triangle Theatre; artistic director for six years, directing eight productions, producing 25

Broadway debut in "The Office"

Played supporting role in the Academy Award-winning "The French Connection"

TV-movie debut in "Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside" (NBC)

Had a recurring role as Sergeant DiAngelo on "Police Story"; also directed episodes

Co-starred with Harvey Keitel and Jerry Stiller in Arthur Miller's "A Memory of Two Mondays" for PBS

Portrayed the fading baseball star Duke Bronkowsky in American Place Theatre's production of "Yanks-3, Detroit-0, Top of the Seventh"

Directed series TV episodes of "Kaz" (CBS)

Starred in the one-man play "Hizzoner!" as New York City mayor Fiorello LaGuardia; reprised role in a 1984 PBS broadcast

Won critical acclaim for his starring turn in a revival of Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge"

Played Lt. Alex Ascoli on the short-lived ABC series, "Jessie"

Starred as Arturo Taft on the short-lived CBS series, "The Palace Guard"

Portrayed Vincent Spano's father in John Sayles' "City of Hope"

Had recurring role on the NBC police drama "Homicide: Life on the Streets"

Appeared as a mob boss in "The Juror," starring Alec Baldwin and Demi Moore