Born on April 21, 1938, in New York City, he began his career in entertainment as a comedy writer before transitioning to acting. He gained recognition in the 1960s and 70s, often portraying tough, streetwise characters. He is best known for his roles in "Dirty Harry" as Inspector Chico Gonzalez and "Enter Laughing." Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Cobra" and "Seinfeld." He passed away on August 1, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of diverse performances.