Nickname:	Big Paul
Known for:	The Godfather, The Godfather Saga, Lovers and Other Strangers
Birth name:	Richard Salvatore Castellano
Birthday:	4 September 1933, The Bronx, New York, USA
Height:	5' 9" (1.75 m)

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Free Image Hosting - Upload your favorite celebrity pictures. Specialized in playing overweight characters. His normal weight was about 200 pounds, but producers invariably insisted that he gain at least 50 pounds for roles. Has played the father of Bruno Kirby, in "The Super" (1972), and an older version of Bruno Kirby's character, Clemenza, in The Godfather (1972). Richard's widow, Ardell Sheridan published a book in 2002 detailing his contributions in the making of The Godfather (1972). Able to recall true-life experiences growing up in a mob family, Richard's experiences helped Francis Ford Coppola when needing to tighten up the script. The book states that Richard kept an inexperienced Al Pacino from getting fired by making slight adjustments in Pacino's characterization as Michael Corleone that not only helped Pacino keep his job, but enhanced the complexity of his character. Castellano was also instrumental in helping Marlon Brando understand Vito Corleone's motivations, but reports that their relationship suffered due to Brando's bruised ego. According to the book, Richard was the only other actor who was considered for Don Corleone's role after Brando's screen test for the part. Both Richard and Ardell rewrote the Genco Oil scene when the version written by Francis Ford Coppola wasn't working.

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