Richard Conte
Richard Conte was an American actor born on March 24, 1910, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He is known for his work in film, television, and theater, primarily during the mid-20th century. Conte's career spanned several decades, and he appeared in a wide range of genres, including film noir, crime dramas, and war films.
Conte began his acting career on stage and made his Broadway debut in 1935 in the play "Moon Over Mulberry Street." He eventually transitioned to the film industry and made his screen debut in the 1939 film "Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence." However, it was in the 1940s and 1950s that Conte gained recognition for his roles in film noir and crime dramas.
One of Conte's notable performances was in the film "The Blue Gardenia" (1953), directed by Fritz Lang. He played the role of Casey Mayo, a hard-boiled journalist investigating a murder case. Conte's portrayal added depth and intensity to the character, showcasing his ability to convey both charm and menace.
Another significant film noir in which Conte starred was "The Big Combo" (1955), directed by Joseph H. Lewis. In this film, Conte played the role of Mr. Brown, a ruthless and sadistic mob boss. His portrayal of the cold and calculating antagonist elevated the tension and darkness of the film, making it a classic of the genre.
Conte also appeared in other notable films, including "Call Northside 777" (1948), "Thieves' Highway" (1949), and "Oceans 11" (1960), where he portrayed the casino owner Adele Ekstrom.
In addition to his film work, Conte also made contributions to television and theater. He appeared in various television shows throughout the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, including "The Untouchables" and "The Twilight Zone." Conte also returned to the stage, starring in productions such as "A Hatful of Rain" and "Wait Until Dark."
Richard Conte's career continued until his passing on April 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 65. He left behind a legacy of compelling performances, particularly in the realm of film noir and crime dramas. His contributions to the genre showcased his versatility as an actor and cemented his status as a notable figure in mid-century American cinema.
Conte began his acting career on stage and made his Broadway debut in 1935 in the play "Moon Over Mulberry Street." He eventually transitioned to the film industry and made his screen debut in the 1939 film "Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence." However, it was in the 1940s and 1950s that Conte gained recognition for his roles in film noir and crime dramas.
One of Conte's notable performances was in the film "The Blue Gardenia" (1953), directed by Fritz Lang. He played the role of Casey Mayo, a hard-boiled journalist investigating a murder case. Conte's portrayal added depth and intensity to the character, showcasing his ability to convey both charm and menace.
Another significant film noir in which Conte starred was "The Big Combo" (1955), directed by Joseph H. Lewis. In this film, Conte played the role of Mr. Brown, a ruthless and sadistic mob boss. His portrayal of the cold and calculating antagonist elevated the tension and darkness of the film, making it a classic of the genre.
Conte also appeared in other notable films, including "Call Northside 777" (1948), "Thieves' Highway" (1949), and "Oceans 11" (1960), where he portrayed the casino owner Adele Ekstrom.
In addition to his film work, Conte also made contributions to television and theater. He appeared in various television shows throughout the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, including "The Untouchables" and "The Twilight Zone." Conte also returned to the stage, starring in productions such as "A Hatful of Rain" and "Wait Until Dark."
Richard Conte's career continued until his passing on April 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 65. He left behind a legacy of compelling performances, particularly in the realm of film noir and crime dramas. His contributions to the genre showcased his versatility as an actor and cemented his status as a notable figure in mid-century American cinema.
Quotes:
"The key to acting is concentration, and the most important thing in acting is honesty."
"I've never played a real-life character before. I've always played fictitious characters."
"I think every actor has a moment when he realizes that the only way to stay in the business is to learn to handle his failure - to make the best of it."
"In this business, you have to take the good with the bad. You can't let success or failure define you."
- Richard Conte
Trivia:
He was one of the many actors considered by Paramount for the title role of Don Corleone in The Godfather (1972). The movie originally was intended to be a low-budget production set in contemporary times, but after the phenomenal success of the book, the budget was increased. Conte's Italian heritage helped his cause, as Paramount production head Robert Evans wanted the film to be authentically Italian which was the reason the Italian American Francis Ford Coppola was hired to direct.
Conte's rivals for the role reportedly included fellow Italian-American Ernest Borgnine, but as the prestige of the picture increased along with the budget, A-list actors began to be considered for the role, including two-time Oscar-winner Anthony Quinn and the legendary Orson Welles.
Burt Lancaster, whose superstar status had dimmed but who had the advantage of having played an Italian prince in Luchino Visconti's The Leopard (1963), actively campaigned for the role. Ironically, Visconti had wanted to cast Laurence Olivier in The Leopard (1963) (but was overruled by his producer who wanted a box office star), the actor who quickly became the favorite to play the Mafia chieftain. Olivier was sounded out by Paramount brass about the part, and he was open to their offer.
Then considered the world's greatest actor, Olivier wanted to accept the role but ultimately could not due to illness. After the long-shot Marlon Brando was cast as Don Corleone at the insistence of Coppola, Conte was cast in the role of his rival, Don Barzini.
Conte's rivals for the role reportedly included fellow Italian-American Ernest Borgnine, but as the prestige of the picture increased along with the budget, A-list actors began to be considered for the role, including two-time Oscar-winner Anthony Quinn and the legendary Orson Welles.
Burt Lancaster, whose superstar status had dimmed but who had the advantage of having played an Italian prince in Luchino Visconti's The Leopard (1963), actively campaigned for the role. Ironically, Visconti had wanted to cast Laurence Olivier in The Leopard (1963) (but was overruled by his producer who wanted a box office star), the actor who quickly became the favorite to play the Mafia chieftain. Olivier was sounded out by Paramount brass about the part, and he was open to their offer.
Then considered the world's greatest actor, Olivier wanted to accept the role but ultimately could not due to illness. After the long-shot Marlon Brando was cast as Don Corleone at the insistence of Coppola, Conte was cast in the role of his rival, Don Barzini.
