Chazz Palminteri Biography

Fast Facts

• Founded the Child Reach Foundation to help find a cure for thalassemia
• Received the Indie Hero Award at the Method Fest Independent Film Festival in 2004
• Wrote "A Bronx Tale" after being fired from a club for mistakenly refusing entry to famed talent agent Swifty Lazar
• While searching for stardom in New York City, he worked at a club alongside actor Dolph Lundgren
• Quote: "I think the lessons I learned growing up in the streets in the Bronx were never tip your hand too soon․ Always keep your cards close to the vest․"
• Quote: "It's the working man who makes up the heart of the community․"
• Widely recognized for his gravelly speaking voice
• Often calls in at the WFAN sports radio show in New York
• Was offered $250,000 for the film rights to "A Bronx Tale," but refused so that he could write the screenplay and star in the film himself
• Worked as a bouncer at The LimeLight in New York City before becoming an actor