Harry Guardino was an American actor who is best known for Dirty Harry, Houseboat, and Madigan. He had a successful career on both stage and screen, earning recognition for his tough-guy roles and memorable performances.
Personal and Family Life
Harry Guardino was born Harold Vincent Guardino on December 23, 1925, in New York City. He was raised in Brooklyn and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before joining the Merchant Marine. He was married three times and had four children. His last marriage was to Elyssa Paternoster, which lasted from 1985 until his death in 1995.
Career
Harry began his acting career in the late 1940s, performing in various small film roles. His big break came on Broadway when he understudied in “A Hatful of Rain” and later took over a leading role. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he appeared in numerous television series and films, including significant roles in crime dramas and comedies. His performances earned him a reputation as a skilled character actor.
Death and Legacy
Harry Guardino passed away on July 17, 1995, in Palm Springs, California, due to lung cancer. He left behind a legacy as a prominent tough-guy actor known for his engaging performances on both stage and screen. His contributions to the entertainment industry are remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty Harry | 1971-12-23 | Bressler |
| Houseboat | 1958-11-19 | Angelo Donatello |
| The Enforcer | 1976-12-16 | Lt. Al Bressler |
| Madigan | 1968-03-29 | Det. Rocco Bonaro |
| King of Kings | 1961-10-11 | Barabbas |
| Pork Chop Hill | 1959-05-29 | PFC. Forstman |
| Flesh and Fury | 1952-06-26 | Lou Callan |
| Rhino! | 1964-05-20 | Alec Burnett |
| Every Which Way but Loose | 1978-12-16 | James Beekman (uncredited) |
| Murder, She Wrote | 1984-09-30 | Haskell Drake |