Richard Bright was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Godfather series, The Getaway, and Once Upon a Time in America. He gained recognition for portraying tough, streetwise characters throughout his career.
Personal and Family Life
Richard Bright was born on June 28, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York. He was married three times, first to Elisa Theresa Granese, then to Sue Douglas Wallace, and finally to Rutanya Alda, with whom he had one child. Bright’s son, Jeremy, is also part of the entertainment industry.
Career Highlights
Bright’s career began to flourish in the early 1970s, with standout performances in films like The Panic in Needle Park and The Getaway. His role as Al Neri in The Godfather trilogy solidified his reputation as a notable character actor. Throughout his career, he also appeared in numerous television series, including The Sopranos and Hill Street Blues.
Death and Legacy
Richard Bright passed away on February 18, 2006, in New York City after being struck by a bus. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances that showcased his talent for embodying complex characters on both the big and small screens.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Godfather Part III | 1990-12-25 | Al Neri |
| The Godfather Part II | 1974-12-20 | Al Neri |
| Marathon Man | 1976-10-08 | Karl |
| Hair | 1979-03-15 | Fenton |
| Crimewave | 1985-04-12 | Officer Brennan |
| The Getaway | 1972-12-13 | The Thief |
| Once Upon a Time in America | 1984-05-23 | Chicken Joe |
| The Sopranos | 1999-01-10 | Frank Crisci |
| Hill Street Blues | 1981-01-15 | |
| Third Watch | 1999-09-23 |