An American actor and playwright from New Jersey, Michael V. Gazzo earned lasting film fame relatively late. Born in 1923, he was best known for his Oscar-nominated turn as the nervous mobster Frankie Pentangeli in 'The Godfather Part II' (1974), a role that made his gravelly voice and haunted face unforgettable. He was also a respected playwright, author of the acclaimed drama 'A Hatful of Rain'. He died in 1995, remembered as a distinctive American character actor whose single towering supporting role secured his place in cinema history. Read more