Frank Campanella (March 12 1919 - December 30 2006) was an American character actor.
Campanella was born in New York City, the son of Sicilian immigrants Mary O. and Philip Campanella, a musician. He was the brother of actor Joseph Campanella and spoke mostly Italian growing up; this proved useful during World War II, when he worked as a civilian translator for the U.S. government. Campanella attended Manhattan College, where he studied drama.
Campanella's first film roles was as "Mook the Moon-Man" in the 1949 science fiction series Captain Video and His Video Rangers. He went on to appear in more than 100 film and television episodes, usually playing the "tough guy." He helped Robert DeNiro learn Sicilian for his role as young Vito Corleone in The Godfather: Part II.
Campanella died on December 30, 2006 at his home in Los Angeles, California.
Brother of actor Joseph Campanella.
Tall and imposing-looking Italian-American character 'tough guy' who contributed hundreds of roles to Broadway, film and TV, playing both cops and pugnacious bad guys.
Originally set out to be a concert pianist. His father was a musician and piano builder and played in orchestras backing up such musical luminaries Jimmy Durante, Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor.
Studied drama at Manhattan college.
Growing up in New York speaking Italian before he learned English, he later worked as a civilian interpreter during WWII deciphering Italian and Sicilian dialects for the U.S. government.
Coached Robert De Niro to Oscar-winning success with his Sicilian dialog in Godfather: Part II, The (1974).
Had minor roles in a large number of director Garry Marshall's films.
Once co-hosted a radio show titled "Offbeat Notes on Music" for KCSUN.
During World War II he worked as a civilian interpreter, deciphering Italian and Sicilian dialects for the U.S. government.
Enrolled at Manhattan College as a drama major.
Helped Robert De Niro with the Sicilian dialog in "The Godfather Part II.".
Died of complications from Crohn's disease, a disease that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
