Born in 1946 in the Bronx, New York, he is a renowned American actor best known for his roles in mob-themed films and television series. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the acclaimed HBO series "The Sopranos." Before acting, he owned nightclubs, which contributed to his authentic portrayals of mobster characters. With a career spanning several decades, he has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, becoming a staple in crime drama entertainment.