Frank Ray Perilli was an American actor who is best known for his roles in films such as She Came to the Valley, End of the World, and Laserblast. Born on August 30, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois, he had a varied and colorful career in entertainment.
Personal and Family Life
Frank Ray Perilli was married to Julia R. Mastrantonio until her passing in 2010, and they had one child together, Marco Perilli. He was connected to the well-known actress Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio through his wife, making her his niece. Perilli grew up in the mob-controlled areas of Chicago, which influenced the early stages of his life and career.
Career
Perilli started as a nightclub comic and became a film character actor in the 1940s and 1950s. He made various appearances on popular television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show. Throughout his life, he worked as a screenwriter and film producer, collaborating on many projects, including scripts with Lenny Bruce and his close friend William Karl Thomason.
Death and Legacy
Frank Ray Perilli passed away on March 8, 2018, due to complications from the West Nile Virus, just days before his biography, “The Candy Butcher,” was released. The book, authored by William Karl Thomas, highlights his vibrant life and career in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Fairy Tales | 1978-08-01 | Baron |
| The Fugitive | 1993-08-06 | Jail Officer |
| Celluloid Wizards in the Video Wasteland: The Saga of Empire Pictures | Himself | |
| Cinderella | 1977-05-01 | Italian Ambassador |
| Invasion of the Star Creatures | 1962-05-03 | Pvt. Penn |
| New Orleans Uncensored | 1955-03-01 | Deuce |
| Carnival Rock | 1957-09-01 | Billy |
| Three of Hearts | 1993-04-30 | Patient |
| Like Father, Like Son | 2009-04-15 | Himself |
| End of the World | 1977-08-01 | Awards Party Guest |
| Submarine Seahawk | 1958-12-01 | Shore Patrolman |