Vincent Gardenia American actor of Italian descent Date of Birth: 07.01.1920 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Debut on Stage
2. Broadway and Off-Broadway Success
3. Film and Television Career
4. Academy Award and Emmy Nominations
5. Notable Film Roles
6. Broadway Later Career and Broadway Legacy
7. Death and Legacy

Early Life and Debut on Stage

Vincent Gardenia, born Vincenzo Scognamiglio, was born in Naples, Italy on January 7, 1920. At the tender age of two, his family emigrated to the United States, where they settled in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, Vincent frequently participated in home performances by the Italian community in New York. His theatrical debut came late, at the age of 28, in the off-Broadway production of 'The Man with the Golden Arm' in 1956.

Broadway and Off-Broadway Success

In 1958, Gardenia made his Broadway debut in 'The Visit.' His exceptional performances earned him two Obie Awards, in 1960 for 'Little Murders' and again in 1969. Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, Gardenia's Broadway and off-Broadway career flourished, establishing him as a notable stage actor.

Film and Television Career

Simultaneously with his theatrical endeavors, Gardenia launched a successful acting career in film and television. In 1958, he played a minor role in the crime drama 'Cop Hater.' His roles became more prominent in films like 'Mad Dog Coll' (1961) and the Academy Award-winning sports drama 'The Hustler' (1961). Notable television appearances included 'Studio One in Hollywood,' 'Armstrong Circle Theatre,' 'Naked City,' and 'The Untouchables.'

Academy Award and Emmy Nominations

Gardenia received his first Academy Award nomination in 1974 for his role in the sports drama 'Bang the Drum Slowly' (1973). His second nomination came in 1987 for the comedy-drama 'Moonstruck.' While he did not win an Oscar, he was awarded an Emmy in 1990 for his role in the television movie 'Age-Old Friends.'

Notable Film Roles

Gardenia had a diverse filmography, with roles in television series, telefilms, and feature films. His notable film roles include 'Firepower' (1979), 'Death Wish II' (1982), 'Little Shop of Horrors' (1986), and his final and significant role as Big Lou Kritski in the 1991 comedy 'The Super.'

Broadway Later Career and Broadway Legacy

Gardenia's last Broadway performance was in the play 'Glengarry Glen Ross' in the mid-1980s. Other notable Broadway productions include 'Ballroom,' 'Sly Fox,' 'California Suite,' and 'God's Favorite' in the 1970s, as well as 'Seidman and Son' and 'Daughter of Silence' in the 1960s.

Death and Legacy

Vincent Gardenia passed away from a heart attack on December 9, 1992, in Philadelphia. He was buried at Saint Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York. The stretch of 16th Avenue in Brooklyn, where he resided, was renamed Vincent Gardenia Boulevard in his honor.