Michael V. Gazzo

Michael Vincenzo Gazzo (April 5, 1923 – February 14, 1995) was an American playwright who later in life became a film and television actor.[2] He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in The Godfather Part II (1974).

Michael V. Gazzo
Michael V. Gazzo portraying Frank Pentangeli in the film The Godfather Part II
Born
Michael Vincenzo Gazzo

(1923-04-05)April 5, 1923
Hillside, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedFebruary 14, 1995(1995-02-14) (aged 71)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Resting placeWestwood Memorial Park
OccupationPlaywright, actor
Years active1953–1995
Spouse(s)Grace Gazzo (3 children)[1]
ChildrenPeppi, Michael, Christopher

Biography

Gazzo was born on April 5, 1923. He was of Italian-American descent. He was a member of the Actors Studio and later trained actors such as Debra Winger, Henry Silva and Tony Sirico. He wrote A Hatful of Rain, a Broadway play about drug addiction, which ran for 389 performances in 1955 and 1956. It starred Ben Gazzara and Shelley Winters in the two lead roles, and was adapted into a film by Oscar-winning director Fred Zinnemann in 1957. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Anthony Franciosa). A 1968 made-for-television version (as a filmed play) starred Peter Falk, Sandy Dennis and Michael Parks.[3] Gazzo's other screen writing credits include the Elvis Presley American musical drama King Creole in 1958.[4] Gazzo authored the Broadway play The Night Circus, also starring Ben Gazzara.[5]

Gazzo was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Frank Pentangeli in The Godfather Part II.[6]

Gazzo died on February 14, 1995 at age 71 due to complications from a stroke.[7] He was buried in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Filmography

References
  1. Brantley, Ben (February 24, 1995). "Michael V. Gazzo, 71, Is Dead - Playwright of 'Hatful of Rain'". The New York Times. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  2. Biography for Michael V. Gazzo at IMDb
  3. A Hatful of Rain at IMDb
  4. King Creole at IMDb
  5. "The Night Circus @ John Golden Theatre". Playbill. Playbill, Inc. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  6. Folkart, Burt A. (February 25, 1995). "Michael Gazzo; Film and TV Actor, Playwright". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  7. Brantley, Ben (February 24, 1995). "Michael V. Gazzo, 71, Is Dead – Playwright of 'Hatful of Rain'". The New York Times.

Sources
  • Bacarella, Michael, ItalActors: 101 Years of Italian Actors in U.S. Entertainment, The National Italian American Foundation
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