Joseph Calleia Biography

Fast Facts

• The Maltese government issued two commemorative stamps in his honor in 1997
• Studied at St․ Julian's and St․ Aloysius colleges in Malta
• Was married to Eleonore Vassallo from 1929 until her death in 1968
• As a teenager, performed at cafés and music halls throughout Europe with a harmonica band
• Decided to pursue a career as an actor after moving to New York City and made his first on-screen appearance in the 1931 film "My Sin․"
• Known for portraying villainous characters in westerns and gangster films
• Was offered the part of Don Vito Corleone in "The Godfather" by director Francis Ford Coppola