Born on October 9, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, he began his career as a chef before pursuing acting. He gained fame in the 1980s with leading roles in films like "Eddie and the Cruisers" and "Streets of Fire." Known for his rugged charm and versatility, he has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, often in action and science fiction genres. Over the years, he has worked with various directors, including Uwe Boll, and continues to act in both independent and mainstream projects.