Bronx born, stocky Italian-American actor who only appeared in a handful of films, yet earned some degree of immortality for his role as the loyal Corleone capo "Peter Clemenza" teaching Al Pacino how to shoot a crooked police captain in the iconic gangster film The Godfather. He was originally a construction company manager, then he gained work with the New Yiddish Theatre, before breaking into film near his thirtieth birthday. However in 1970, in only his fourth film, Castellano received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance in Lovers and Other Strangers and came to the attention of casting agents for The Godfather. After his strong showing as a tough hoodlum in The Godfather, he became somewhat typecast as a screen criminal and appeared in further crime films including Honor Thy Father and Gangster Wars.

He died in December 1988 from a heart attack, aged only 53.


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.