Richard Conte
Richard Conte
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Richard Conte

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Richard Conte

Richard Conte (born Nicholas Peter Conte; March 24, 1910 – April 15, 1975) was an American actor. He was known for his starring roles in films noir and crime dramas during the 1940s and 1950s, including Call Northside 777, Cry of the City, House of Strangers, Whirlpool, The Blue Gardenia, and The Big Combo.

Conte also co-starred in three films opposite Frank Sinatra: the original Ocean's 11, Tony Rome, and Lady in Cement. Later in his career, he achieved recognition for his portrayal of Emilio Barzini, the mob boss rival to Vito Corleone and the principal antagonist of The Godfather (1972).

Conte was born Nicholas Peter Conte on March 24, 1910 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of Italian-Americans Julia (nee Fina), a seamstress, and Pasquale Conte, a barber. He graduated from William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City.

Conte worked as a truck driver, messenger, shoe salesman, and singing waiter before starting his acting career. He was discovered by film director Elia Kazan and actor John Garfield during his job at a Connecticut resort, which led to Conte finding stage work.[citation needed] He eventually earned a scholarship to study at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, where he became a standout actor.[citation needed]

He made his film debut under the name Nicholas Conte in Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence (1939) at 20th Century Fox. He played Tony, a hobo who meets up with Joe (Glenn Ford who was also making his film debut) and Anita (Jean Rogers). The three of them make their way west hopping trains. They are later joined by Professor B (Raymond Walburn).

He made his Broadway debut in My Heart's in the Highlands (1939) for the Group Theatre. Also for the Group, he was in Clifford Odets' Night Music (1940). He performed in the road company of Golden Boy.

On Broadway, he was in Heavenly Express (1941) and Walk Into My Parlor (1941). He was a hit in Jason (1942), followed by Family (1943).

During World War II, Conte served in the United States Army, but he was discharged because of eye trouble.

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