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Raymond Sharkey Jr. (November 14, 1952 – June 11, 1993) was an American stage, film and television actor. His most notable film role was Vincent Vacarri in the 1980 film The Idolmaker, for which he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. He is also known for his role as Sonny Steelgrave in the television series Wiseguy.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Sharkey was born in Brooklyn to Cecelia Formisano and Ray Sharkey, Sr. He was of Irish and Italian descent. Sharkey's father was a professional drummer who abandoned the family when Sharkey was five years old.[1] He was raised by his mother, Cecelia, in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood.[1][2] Sharkey became interested in acting after seeing Jack Lemmon in the 1962 film Days of Wine and Roses. After attending New York City Community College for one year, he enrolled at the HB Studio to study acting. While attending the HB Studio, Sharkey performed in various Off-Broadway stage productions. In 1973, he and his friend, boxer/actor Chu Chu Malave, moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting careers.[3][4]

Career

[edit]

In 1974, he made his film debut in The Lords of Flatbush. Sharkey went on to appear in more than forty motion pictures and dozens of guest appearances on various television series.

An early standout performance in a character role came in Who'll Stop the Rain (1978), directed by Karel Reisz. The film's editor, John Bloom, said, "I do not believe there’s ever been a better pair of villains than Richard Masur and Ray Sharkey — funny and terrifying in equal measure."[5] This echoed a contemporary review, which called them "psychopaths played to the hilt" and added, "They're a great team. Whether they are supposed to be so funny, even when they are shouting obscenities, only the director knows. But funny they are."[6]

In 1980, Sharkey portrayed rock promoter Vinnie Vacarri in The Idolmaker. The role boosted Sharkey's career and earned him a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the film.[3] The following year, he was nominated for another Golden Globe for his role in The Ordeal of Bill Carney, in which he played the title role. Shortly after appearing in The Idolmaker, Sharkey developed a $400 a day heroin habit. As a result of his drug use, his career declined and he was relegated to mainly supporting roles. He overdosed several times and was involved in four drug-related car accidents, two of which required him to undergo microsurgery on his eyes. He tried undergoing rehab treatment several times but would ultimately relapse a few months later. In 1987, Sharkey spent two months in an Orange County rehab center in an effort to kick his drug and alcohol addiction for good.[1][4]

Four days after leaving rehab, he won the role of Sonny Steelgrave in the series Wiseguy.[7] One reviewer remarked, "The Steelgrave episodes were wonderful, partly because of Sharkey's performance as the tough-tender Sonny."[8] Another stated, "Sharkey's portrayal of Steelgrave, with his murderous, mercurial charm, has been likened to James Cagney's Cody Jarrett in White Heat".[7] Producer Stephen J. Cannell and many fans were sorry to see Sharkey's character go, but the format of Wiseguy was self-contained story "arcs" of several episodes.[8] The character proved to be popular with audiences. Many letters came in to ask that he return, prompting the writing of Steelgrave in future episodes (usually with the lead character dreaming about Steelgrave).[7] A 2008 Entertainment Weekly retrospective on "The 50 Biggest Emmy Snubs" ranked Sharkey's Steelgrave as #26.[9]

With that career boost, Sharkey then co-starred in the biographical film Wired.[10] Based on the life of John Belushi, Sharkey portrayed a Puerto Rican angel who meets Belushi after his death in the morgue and "show[s] him the error of his ways." Sharkey's next role was in the 1989 black comedy film Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills.[11]

In 1991, he starred in the ABC sitcom The Man in the Family. While Sharkey received good reviews for his performance, the show was panned by critics and canceled after one season. The following year, he appeared in a guest spot on Jake and the Fatman; and co-starred in the independent film Zebrahead, as well as the lead in the television movie In the Line of Duty: Street War. On July 30, 1992, while filming a guest spot on the television series, The Hat Squad, in Vancouver, he was arrested for drug possession. Canadian customs officials, making a routine inspection of incoming cargo at the airport, discovered small amounts of cocaine and heroin in a black envelope being sent from Los Angeles to Sharkey in Vancouver. Police searched his hotel room and found an additional supply of drugs. He was jailed and later released on bail. Sharkey was later fired from The Hat Squad.[12] Sharkey's final role was in the 1993 comedy film Cop and a Half.

Personal life

[edit]

In May 1981, Sharkey married model Rebecca Wood.[13] The marriage ended in 1986 due to Sharkey's drug abuse.[4] In 1988, he married actress Carole Graham. That marriage produced one daughter, Cecelia, in 1989.[1] In November 1992, Graham divorced Sharkey, also citing his drug abuse as the reason for the divorce.[14]

Illness and death

[edit]

Sharkey was diagnosed as HIV positive in the late 1980s. He reportedly contracted the virus through intravenous drug use. After his death, Sharkey's manager Herb Nanas admitted that they both decided to keep his diagnosis a secret, fearing it would hurt his career. Despite his diagnosis, Sharkey remained in denial about his HIV-positive status and, according to his manager, had sex with an estimated 100 women after he was diagnosed.[15][16]

Sharkey began a relationship with model/actress Elena Monica, daughter of comedian Corbett Monica, in April 1991. She became ill and was hospitalized with aseptic meningitis in July 1991. During a routine check, she tested positive for HIV. Monica believed she contracted the virus from Sharkey, who continued to deny that he had infected her. Monica ended the relationship in October 1991 due to her suspicions. In July 1992, she learned that another woman also suspected that Sharkey had infected her with HIV as well. Later that same year, Monica filed a $52 million lawsuit against the actor for knowingly infecting her with HIV.[16]

In an interview with Details magazine conducted in March 1993, three months before his death, Sharkey told the reporter that he was in fact HIV-positive by saying that he "harbored a strain of HIV" that he believed would never develop into AIDS. At the time of the interview, Sharkey weighed 80 pounds (36 kg), had a hacking cough and was suffering from a brain lesion.[17] When asked about his ex-girlfriend Elena Monica who accused him of infecting her with HIV, Sharkey said, "This disease is funny. One day you're negative and the next day you're positive. And people suffer. I don't think she suffered from me."[15] Monica won her lawsuit against Sharkey by default judgment after his death (Sharkey declined to challenge her suit when it was originally filed), but she received no compensation from his estate because the actor had very little money.[18]

Sharkey died of complications from AIDS at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 11, 1993, at age 40.[19] He is interred in Saint Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York.

In June 1993, shortly after Sharkey's death, a Beverly Hills graphic designer who said she had an on-and-off relationship with Sharkey from 1985 to 1991 announced that she was suing Sharkey's estate. The woman, who was only identified as "Joyce", cared for Sharkey in his final months and said that she believed that she also had contracted HIV from Sharkey after she was diagnosed with the virus in April 1992.[20]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Ray Sharkey Film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1974 The Lords of Flatbush Student
1976 Trackdown "Flash"
1977 Hot Tomorrows Louis
Stunts Paul Salerno
1978 Who'll Stop the Rain "Smitty" Alternative title: Dog Soldiers
Paradise Alley "Legs"
1980 Heart Beat Ira
Willie & Phil Phil D'Amico
The Idolmaker Vinnie Vacarri
1982 Love and Money Byron Levin
Some Kind of Hero Sergeant Vinnie DiAngelo
1983 Regina Roma Carry Alternative title: Regina
1984 Body Rock Terrence Mitchell
Du-beat-e-o Du-beat-e-o Alternative title: We're All Crazy Now
1985 Hellhole Silk
1986 Wise Guys Marco
No Mercy Angles Ryan
1987 P.I. Private Investigations Ryan Alternative title: Private Investigations
1988 Act of Piracy Jack Wilcox
1989 Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills Frank
Wired Angel Velasquez
1990 27 Wagons Full of Cotton Silva Direct-to-video release
The Rain Killer Capra
1992 Caged Fear Warden Hayes Alternative title: Jail Force
Zebrahead Richard Alternative title: The Colour of Love
Dead On: Relentless II Kyle Valsone Direct-to-video release
Round Trip to Heaven 'Stoneface'
1993 Cop and a Half Vinnie 'Fountain' Final film role

Television

[edit]
Ray Sharkey television credits
Year Title Role Notes
1974 Kojak Detective Gallagher 4 episodes
1975 On the Rocks Opie Episode: "Champion"
All in the Family Man At Clinic Episode: "Chain Letter"
Barney Miller David Salas / Hold-Up Man 2 episodes
The Jeffersons Robert Phelps Episode: "Tennis Anyone?"
1976 Police Story Pete Samper Episode: "Payment Deferred"
1977 The Streets of San Francisco Benny Lester Episode: "Time Out"
Best Friends Lionel 'Big O' Lapidus Television movie
1981 Saturday Night Live Himself (host) / Various roles Episode: "Ray Sharkey/Jack Bruce & Friends"
The Ordeal of Bill Carney Bill Carney Television movie
1985 Miami Vice Bobby Profile Episode: "Tale of the Goat"
The Equalizer Geoffery Dryden Episode: "Desperately"
1986 Faerie Tale Theatre Grand Vizier Episode: "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp"
Crime Story U.S. Attorney Harry Breitel Television movie
1986-1987 Crime Story U.S. Attorney Harry Breitel 5 episodes
1987–1989 Wiseguy Sonny Steelgrave 10 episodes
1989 The Neon Empire Junior Molov Television movie
The Revenge of Al Capone "Scarface" Television movie
The Hitchhiker Eric Coleman Episode: "In Living Color"
1990 American Playwrights Theater: The One-Acts Silva Vaccaro Episode: "27 Wagons Full of Cotton"
The Take Dennis Television movie
Good Cops, Bad Cops Captain Gerry Clemente Television movie
1991 The Man in the Family Sal Bavasso 7 episodes
Riders in the Sky 'Spongehead' Episode: "Saddle Pals"
1992 Jake and the Fatman Michael 'Mickey' Daytona Da Silva Episode: "Beautiful Dreamer"
Chrome Soldiers Gabe Ricci Television movie
In the Line of Duty: Street War Detective Victor Tomasino Television movie
The Ray Bradbury Theater The Father Episode: "By the Numbers"

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Title of work Result
1981 Golden Globe Awards Best Motion Picture Actor - Musical/Comedy The Idolmaker Won
1982 Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV The Ordeal of Bill Carney Nominated
1988 Viewers for Quality Television Awards Founder's Award Wiseguy Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ray Sharkey

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Raymond Sharkey Jr. (November 14, 1952 – June 11, 1993) was an American , television, and stage actor recognized for portraying intense, streetwise characters reflective of his upbringing. His breakthrough came with the lead role of rock promoter Vincent Vacarri in the 1980 biographical drama , earning him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or . Sharkey's performance captured the exploitative dynamics of the music industry, drawing from real-life figure Bob Marcucci, and marked his most critically acclaimed work. Sharkey gained further prominence in 1987 as the charismatic yet ruthless mob boss Sonny Steelgrave in the first season of the crime series Wiseguy, a role that showcased his ability to blend vulnerability with menace and contributed to the show's early success. However, his career trajectory was disrupted by a severe in the mid-1980s, which led to intravenous drug use, multiple arrests including a 1992 narcotics possession charge in , and contraction of via contaminated needles. He succumbed to AIDS-related complications at age 40, a outcome his manager attributed directly to his history rather than other transmission routes. Despite these personal demons, Sharkey's raw intensity left a lasting impression in roles that echoed the gritty realism of New York City's underbelly.

Early Life

Family Background and Childhood

Ray Sharkey was born on November 14, 1952, in the Red Hook section of , New York, to Cecelia Formisano and Ray Sharkey Sr., a professional . His family heritage was mixed Irish and Italian, reflecting his mother's Italian roots and his father's Irish background. When Sharkey was five years old, his father abandoned the family, leaving him to be raised primarily by his mother in the working-class, often rough Red Hook neighborhood. Sharkey later described his childhood as turbulent, marked by the absence of a and the challenges of growing up in a tough urban environment. His mother reportedly pampered him, while his Italian grandmother provided cultural influences, including singing to him in Italian. Ray Sharkey Sr. died in 1984, nearly a decade before his son's passing.

Education and Entry into Acting

Sharkey attended St. Agnes Grammar School, a private Catholic institution in . He briefly enrolled at , completing one year of study before shifting focus to acting. At age 17, around 1969, Sharkey decided to pursue acting after viewing the Broadway production of . He cited this experience, along with Jack Lemmon's portrayal of an alcoholic in the 1962 film Days of Wine and Roses, as key inspirations for his career choice. Following community college, he enrolled at the in , where he trained under and , honing his skills over several years. During his time at , Sharkey gained practical experience through performances in productions and workshops, supplementing his training with odd jobs to support himself. These early stage efforts marked his initial entry into professional acting, building a foundation that led to his first film appearances in the mid-1970s.

Career

Early Stage and Film Roles

Sharkey began his acting career in theater during the early 1970s, performing in and productions while training at the and . These workshop showcases and small-stage roles allowed him to develop his skills amid financial struggles, often supporting himself with odd jobs. He made his film debut in 1974 with a minor role as a in The Lords of Flatbush, a low-budget drama depicting 1950s Brooklyn greaser culture, which also featured early appearances by and . In 1977, Sharkey starred as Louis, a boisterous native, in Hot Tomorrows, Martin Brest's independent feature and thesis project, marking his first lead role and earning praise for his energetic, streetwise persona. Sharkey's early film work continued with a supporting turn in the 1978 crime thriller , directed by , where his intense character portrayal stood out amid the ensemble cast including . These roles, though secondary, highlighted his raw intensity and authenticity, paving the way for greater recognition in the .

Breakthrough and Peak Success

Sharkey's arrived in 1980 with his portrayal of "Vinnie" Vacarri, a manipulative rock promoter and songwriter in the film , directed by and inspired by the real-life career of Bob Marcucci. In the movie, Vacarri discovers and grooms two young men into 1950s , reflecting the era's music industry exploitation, with Sharkey's performance capturing the character's ambition, resentment, and showmanship. The role marked a significant elevation from his prior supporting parts, earning critical praise for its intensity and authenticity. For his work in , released on September 26, 1980, Sharkey received the Golden Globe Award for in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 38th ceremony on March 31, 1981, highlighting his emergence as a leading talent in dramatic and musical genres. The film's positive reception, including a 90% approval rating on based on contemporary reviews, underscored Sharkey's ability to embody complex, flawed antiheroes, propelling him toward higher-profile opportunities in the early . Sharkey's peak success in the late 1980s came through his starring television role as Sonny Steelgrave, a charismatic and ruthless mob boss, in the first season of the crime drama Wiseguy, which aired from September 16, 1987, to March 8, 1988. This arc, spanning 13 episodes, featured Steelgrave as an Atlantic City crime figure entangled with undercover federal agent Vinnie Terranova, allowing Sharkey to deliver a nuanced performance blending menace, vulnerability, and streetwise charm that became one of his most enduring and acclaimed characterizations. The series' innovative serialized format and Sharkey's commanding presence contributed to Wiseguy's strong ratings and , solidifying his reputation for portraying tough, urban gangsters during a period of career prominence before personal challenges intervened.

Television Career

Sharkey's television career commenced with guest appearances in mid-1970s series, often portraying streetwise or criminal characters in procedural dramas and sitcoms. He debuted on screen as a hold-up man in the "" episode "Experience," broadcast on ABC on January 30, 1975. Subsequent roles included a tennis enthusiast in "The Jeffersons" episode ", Anyone?," aired on on March 17, 1976. He also featured in episodes of "," "Starsky and Hutch," and "," leveraging his Brooklyn accent and tough-guy demeanor for urban authenticity. Throughout the early 1980s, Sharkey sustained momentum with additional guest spots, including appearances on "" in its debut season and "Crime Story" in 1986, both emphasizing undercover operations and mob intrigue that foreshadowed his later leads. Sharkey's breakthrough in television arrived with his portrayal of Sonny Steelgrave, a compelling Atlantic City mob boss, in the CBS crime drama "Wiseguy," debuting September 16, 1987. He appeared in the series' first-season arc spanning approximately 13 episodes, depicting Steelgrave's alliance and eventual betrayal by undercover agent Vinnie Terranova (), which showcased Sharkey's range in blending charisma, vulnerability, and menace. The performance drew acclaim for elevating the serialized format, with critics noting its emotional depth amid the show's exploration of . Sharkey received a Viewers for Quality Television Award for the role. No further regular series roles followed, though he guest-starred as the enigmatic Malley in "" episode "The Wind," aired February 20, 1989.

Decline and Later Work

Sharkey's career declined in the mid-1980s amid severe , including that reportedly cost him $400 per day at its peak. This led to multiple overdoses, four drug-related car accidents requiring microsurgery, and a shift from leading roles to supporting parts. In 1987, he completed a two-month rehabilitation program in , emerging to secure the role of mobster Sonny Steelgrave on the television series Wiseguy (1987–1989), which aired 74 episodes and earned him acclaim for portraying a vulnerable yet ruthless figure. Post-Wiseguy, Sharkey took on smaller film and television roles, including the part of an angel in the John Belushi biopic Wired (1989). He appeared in TV movies like The Neon Empire (1989) as Junior Molov and The Revenge of Al Capone (1989) as Frank Nitti, alongside guest spots on series such as The Hitchhiker (1989). These projects marked a departure from his earlier prominence, with critics noting his talent persisted but opportunities dwindled due to ongoing personal struggles. A July 1992 arrest in Canada for heroin possession further derailed prospects, costing him a lead in an unspecified television series. Undeterred, he continued with supporting appearances, including Richard in the independent film Zebrahead (1992), Warden Hayes in Hotel Oklahoma (1992), and Gabe Ricci in the TV movie Chrome Soldiers (1992). His final role was Vinnie Fountain, a mob informant, in the family action-comedy Cop and a Half (1993), released posthumously.

Personal Life

Marriages and Relationships

Sharkey married model and actress Rebecca Wood in May 1981; the union dissolved in 1986, amid his escalating drug addiction that led to multiple car accidents, surgeries, and strained personal ties. In October 1988, he wed actress Carole Graham, with whom he had a daughter, , born in 1989; the marriage ended in in November 1992. During the early , Sharkey was in a relationship with model and actress Elena Monica, beginning in April 1991.

Fatherhood and Family Dynamics

Sharkey married Carole Graham in 1988, and their , Cecelia Bonnie Sharkey, was born on March 25, 1989, in . The family appeared together publicly, including at events such as a 1990 Milken Family Foundation performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, where Sharkey was photographed holding the infant Cecelia alongside Graham. The marriage ended in in November 1992, amid Sharkey's ongoing struggles with that had strained personal relationships. Sharkey died of AIDS-related complications on April 11, 1993, at age 40, when Cecelia was four years old, limiting his active involvement in her upbringing to her early childhood. Public records and biographies provide scant detail on daily interactions or roles, with available accounts focusing primarily on the brevity of the family unit due to divorce and his premature death rather than extended dynamics.

Onset and Escalation of Addiction

Sharkey's initial foray into substance abuse occurred amid his early acting successes in the late 1970s and early 1980s, starting with alcohol and marijuana before advancing to cocaine as his career gained momentum. This progression aligned with the heightened pressures of Hollywood, where drug use became intertwined with his professional ascent following breakthrough roles. By the mid-1980s, his dependency had escalated dramatically to include and , transforming what he later described as initially "fun" experimentation into a "sickening" and uncontrollable habit. This period marked a five-year span of intense , during which Sharkey experienced multiple overdoses—occurring two to three times—and exhibited severe impairment, such as falling asleep mid-scene on a television production set, prompting threats of dismissal from producers. The escalation rendered him uninsurable and unbondable by studios, exacerbating professional isolation as his behavior grew increasingly erratic. During this heroin phase, he contracted via a shared contaminated needle, underscoring the physical toll of intravenous use.

Rehabilitation Attempts and Relapses

Sharkey entered rehabilitation for chemical dependency in 1987 following a severe that reportedly cost him $400 per day at its peak. He had previously attended a well-known facility before checking into a lesser-known substance-abuse center in , from which he was released around mid-1988, shortly before securing his career-reviving role in the television series Wiseguy. Following this treatment, Sharkey claimed sustained sobriety, limiting his indulgences to by 1991 and crediting the recovery with reigniting his professional momentum. Despite these efforts, Sharkey's addiction issues resurfaced, marked by multiple drug overdoses and four drug-related car accidents throughout his career. His public assertions of recovery proved short-lived; in July 1992, he was arrested in Vancouver, Canada, for possession of , an incident that cost him a role in the series and highlighted ongoing relapses after years of intermittent sobriety. These repeated failures underscored the chronic nature of his battles with , , and alcohol, which persisted despite multiple treatment attempts and contributed to his contraction of AIDS via intravenous drug use.

Arrests and Professional Repercussions

On July 30, 1992, Sharkey was arrested in , , , for possession of while filming episodes of the CBS television series . Canadian customs officials discovered the drugs during a routine inspection of cargo arriving from the , prompting a search of Sharkey's that uncovered additional narcotics valued at approximately $550. He was charged with narcotics possession, jailed briefly, and released on . The arrest directly led to Sharkey's dismissal from , a role intended to revitalize his television career following earlier successes in films like . Producers cited the incident as incompatible with the show's family-oriented image, marking a significant professional setback amid Sharkey's ongoing struggles with , which had already prompted rehabilitation in 1987. This event exacerbated his career decline, limiting opportunities in an industry wary of actors with repeated legal issues tied to drug dependency.

Illness and Death

HIV Diagnosis

Sharkey's manager, Nanas, reported that the actor contracted via a contaminated needle during five years of in the mid-1980s. Nanas indicated that Sharkey was aware of his condition but engaged in prolonged , continuing professional work and personal relationships without disclosure. The specific date of Sharkey's remains undocumented in contemporary news reports, though his infection aligned with the peak of his intravenous . Sharkey did not publicly acknowledge his HIV status until a March 1993 interview with Details magazine, conducted three months before his death, in which he confirmed being HIV-positive while asserting he felt healthy. This admission followed years of secrecy, during which he reportedly did not inform intimate partners, leading to a subsequent by Elena Monica alleging intentional transmission. By mid-1993, his condition had progressed to AIDS, contributing to rapid decline despite ongoing treatments at Lutheran Medical Center in .

Final Years and Passing

In the years following his HIV diagnosis, Sharkey continued to pursue acting roles despite ongoing health challenges and professional setbacks. He appeared in films such as (1992), portraying a character entangled in racial tensions, and Round Trip to Heaven (1992), a where he played a figure. His final screen role came in the family Cop and a Half (1993), in which he depicted a criminal opposite Norman D. Golden II; the film was released posthumously later that year. In a March 1993 interview with Details magazine, Sharkey publicly acknowledged his HIV-positive status but insisted he was "not sick," emphasizing his ongoing work and downplaying the virus's immediate impact on his life. This period was marked by his manager Herb Nanas's belief that Sharkey had contracted HIV through intravenous drug use, a factor tied to his earlier substance issues. Sharkey died of AIDS-related complications on June 11, 1993, at Lutheran Medical Center in , New York, at the age of 40.

Legacy and Reception

Critical Assessment of Work

Ray Sharkey's acting career showcased a distinctive intensity in portraying flawed, ambitious anti-heroes and tough exteriors masking , earning acclaim for roles that blended with emotional rawness. Critics noted his ability to infuse characters with obsessive drive and streetwise authenticity, often elevating otherwise conventional narratives. His breakthrough performance in (1980) as rock promoter Vincent Vacarri exemplified this, with praising Sharkey's "magnetism" for carrying the film through standard material by conveying the character's "hungers, isolations, and compulsive needs." The role garnered Sharkey a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, highlighting his skill in capturing monomaniacal ambition. In The Idolmaker, Sharkey's depiction of Vacarri's fanatical energy and personal sacrifices was deemed superior to the film's surrounding elements, rendering the protagonist "funny, fanatical, and energetic" while making sense of his manipulative compulsions. This performance drew early comparisons to classic screen icons, with critic likening Sharkey to following his stage work in Hot Tomorrow (). Such praise underscored his strengths in physicality and vocal dynamism, suited to urban, high-stakes characters, though some reviews implied the film's sluggish pacing occasionally diluted his impact. Sharkey's television work further demonstrated versatility in serialized drama, particularly as mob boss Sonny Steelgrave in Wiseguy (1987), where his portrayal opposite received critical praise for its depth and realism. The role, spanning nine episodes, was lauded for powerful scenes blending menace with , contributing to the series' edgy appeal despite marginal ratings. Obituaries and retrospectives affirmed that Sharkey's tough-guy archetypes, marked by emotional vulnerability, achieved "wide acclaim," positioning him as a reliable interpreter of gritty, conflicted figures. Later projects revealed limitations, as Sharkey appeared in lower-profile or critically panned films like Wired (1989), where the production's flaws overshadowed individual efforts, contributing to perceptions of underutilized potential. His typecasting in intense, Brooklyn-inflected roles risked repetition, and inconsistent project quality post-1980s hampered broader recognition, though his raw talent persisted in evoking authentic desperation and allure. Overall, Sharkey's work merits evaluation as potent but niche, thriving in character-driven vehicles that allowed his visceral style to shine amid career variability.

Impact and Posthumous Views

Sharkey's breakthrough role as Vincent Vacarri in (1980) earned him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, showcasing his ability to embody charismatic, flawed Italian-American figures with intensity and vulnerability. His portrayal of mob boss Sonny Steelgrave in the television series Wiseguy (1987) similarly drew praise for blending toughness with emotional depth, inspiring the formation of a fan organization called the "Sonny Steelgrave Memorial Society." These performances established him as a specialist in rough-hewn yet relatable antiheroes, influencing niche appreciation for character-driven depictions of urban grit in 1980s media. Posthumously, Sharkey is regarded as an underutilized talent whose promise was curtailed by chronic and legal issues, including a $400-per-day habit in the early 1980s and a 1992 narcotics . Obituaries highlighted his "solid" acting skills and physical suitability for leading roles, yet noted that commercial flops—such as 's box-office underperformance despite critical nods—and personal derailments prevented broader stardom. His death on June 11, 1993, at age 40 from AIDS-related complications amplified views of a squandered career, with enthusiasts expressing particular sorrow over the disparity between his on-screen dynamism and off-screen decline. While Sharkey's work has not achieved widespread revival or cultural ubiquity, it retains cult status among admirers of period-specific films and serialized television, underscoring a legacy of raw authenticity overshadowed by self-inflicted setbacks rather than enduring institutional influence.

Filmography

Feature Films

Sharkey began his feature film career in the late , securing supporting roles in crime dramas and action films before achieving a breakthrough with his lead performance in the musical drama (1980), for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or . His subsequent roles often featured him as tough, streetwise characters in genres ranging from thrillers to comedies, though his output diminished in the 1990s amid personal struggles. The following table lists his credited feature film appearances in chronological order:
YearTitleRole
1978Who'll Stop the RainSupporting role in crime thriller directed by Karel Reisz, alongside Nick Nolte.
1978Paradise AlleyMinor role in Sylvester Stallone's boxing drama.
1980The IdolmakerVinnie Vacarri, lead role as a manipulative rock promoter inspired by real-life figure Bob Marcucci.
1980Willie and PhilPhil D'Amico, in Paul Mazursky's exploration of friendship and relationships.
1982Love and MoneyByron Levin, romantic drama with Kay Lenz.
1982Some Kind of HeroSgt. Vinnie DiAngelo, portraying a Vietnam War veteran adjusting to civilian life.
1984Body RockTerrence, dance film akin to Flashdance.
1985HellholeSilk, horror film involving a women's prison.
1985No MercyAngles Ryan, crime thriller with Richard Gere and Kim Basinger.
1986Wise GuysMarco, mob comedy directed by Brian De Palma, co-starring Danny DeVito and Joe Piscopo.
1987P.I. Private InvestigationsRyan, independent thriller.
1989Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly HillsFrank, satirical comedy.
1989WiredAngel Velasquez, biographical film on John Belushi.
1990The Rain KillerCapra, thriller directed by Ken Stein.
1992ZebraheadRichard, drama on interracial romance.
1992Round Trip to HeavenStoneface, comedy with Zach Galligan.
1993Cop and a HalfVinnie Fountain, family action comedy with Burt Reynolds.

Television Roles

Sharkey's early television work consisted primarily of guest appearances on crime and sitcom series in the . He portrayed a hold-up man in the episode "Experience" in 1975 and Robert Phelps in episode "Tennis, Anyone?" in 1976. Additional roles included Pete Samper in a 1976 episode of Police Story and appearances on in season 1 and Crime Story in season 1 during the . His most prominent television role was Sonny Steelgrave, a charismatic Atlantic City mob boss, in the first season arc of the CBS crime drama Wiseguy (1987–1988). In the series, Steelgrave forms an unlikely alliance with undercover agent Vincent Terranova (), leading to a complex narrative of loyalty and betrayal that spanned 13 episodes from September 1987 to January 1988. Sharkey's portrayal drew critical praise for its intensity and depth, marking a career highlight amid his frequent casting in tough-guy characters. The Wiseguy storyline involving Steelgrave was later released on DVD as Wiseguy: Sonny Steelgrave and the Mob, underscoring its enduring appeal in the genre predating shows like . Later television credits included the role of the Father in an episode of The Ray Bradbury Theater (1989) and Eric Coleman in The Hitchhiker (1989). Sharkey also hosted Saturday Night Live on February 21, 1981, with musical guest Jack Bruce & Friends. His final TV guest spots were in Jake and the Fatman and another Ray Bradbury Theater appearance in the early 1990s. These roles reflected his typecasting in gritty, urban personas but were overshadowed by personal struggles that limited further sustained television work.

Awards and Nominations

Sharkey received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his portrayal of Vincent Vacarri in (1980), awarded in 1981. He was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for (1981), in 1982. For his role as Sonny Steelgrave in the television series Wiseguy (1987–1990), Sharkey won the Viewers for Quality Television Founder's Award in 1988, though he received no Emmy despite retrospective recognition as a notable oversight, ranked #26 on Entertainment Weekly's 2008 list of the "50 Biggest Emmy Snubs."
YearAwardCategoryNominated workResult
1981Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or ComedyWon
1982Best Actor in a or Motion Picture Made for TelevisionThe Ordeal of Bill CarneyNominated
1988Founder's AwardWiseguyWon

References

  1. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/13/obituaries/ray-sharkey-40-actor-often-played-role-of-tough-guy.html
  2. https://goldenglobes.com/film/idolmaker-the/
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ray_sharkey
  4. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-01-ca-4357-story.html
  5. https://variety.com/1993/scene/people-news/ray-sharkey-107765/
  6. https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynTours/posts/the-late-actor-ray-sharkey-was-born-on-this-date-in-1952-in-the-red-hook-section/1021998256629159/
  7. https://kids.kiddle.co/Ray_Sharkey
  8. https://ethnicelebs.com/ray-sharkey
  9. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788829/bio/
  10. http://gowanuscrossing.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-friend-ray-sharkey-fallen-idol.html
  11. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/06/13/Wiseguy-star-Ray-Sharkey-dead-of-AIDS/4746739944000/
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/1980/08/22/archives/at-the-movies-ray-sharkey-talks-about-phil-and-fame.html
  13. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-06-13-mn-2793-story.html
  14. https://www.the-independent.com/news/people/obituary-ray-sharkey-1492350.html
  15. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-08-12-ca-362-story.html
  16. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1988/08/07/sharkeys-machine-retooled-repaired-back-on-track/50398280-46c6-427f-a147-afeb750c845f/
  17. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/idolmaker
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080913/
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/15/obituaries/ray-sharkey-40-actor-often-played-role-of-tough-guy.html
  20. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/wiseguy/s01/e01
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092484/
  22. https://tv.apple.com/us/person/ray-sharkey/umc.cpc.4r894ox64dbn1ovp7po0n49oi
  23. https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Ray-Sharkey/amzn1.dv.gti.7e3e6b87-ea4f-48f6-9ef5-e2fdb56852bf/
  24. https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1993/rt9306/930613/06140105.htm
  25. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/ray-sharkey/credits/3030119821/
  26. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/06/11/Actor-in-Belushi-role-has-wired-past/3147582004800/
  27. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/ray-sharkey/
  28. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-06-19-ca-778-story.html
  29. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788829/
  30. https://miamivice.fandom.com/wiki/Ray_Sharkey
  31. https://www.facebook.com/madhotcollectibles/posts/in-memory-of-ray-sharkey-on-his-birthday-career-years-1974-1992american-stage-fi/1318713101815516/
  32. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/ray-sharkey-and-elena-monica
  33. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/actor-ray-sharkey-wife-carole-graham-and-daughter-cecilia-news-photo/179420921
  34. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-06-23-tv-1774-story.html
  35. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788829/trivia/
  36. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1993/06/14/actor-ray-sharkey-dies/7537901d-029a-425b-b914-4223d72d35be/
  37. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-idolmaker-1980
  38. https://www.nytimes.com/1980/11/14/archives/idolmakercreates-a-teen-star.html
  39. https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.com/2021/07/07/dvd-review-wiseguy-sonny-steelgrave-and-the-mob-before-the-sopranos-there-was-wiseguy/
  40. https://www.reddit.com/r/ObscureMedia/comments/kzzvz2/wired_1989_a_film_based_on_the_controversial/
  41. https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/ray-sharkey
  42. https://letterboxd.com/actor/ray-sharkey/
  43. https://www.rogerebert.com/cast-and-crew/ray-sharkey
  44. https://www.fandango.com/people/ray-sharkey-613074/film-credits
  45. https://tv.apple.com/ca/person/ray-sharkey/umc.cpc.4r894ox64dbn1ovp7po0n49oi
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096763/
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106613/
  48. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788829/awards/
  49. https://goldenglobes.com/person/ray-sharkey/
  50. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092484/awards/
  51. https://ew.com/gallery/50-biggest-emmy-nominations-snubs-part-1/
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