Reni Santoni was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Dirty Harry, Seinfeld, and 28 Days.
Personal and Family Life
Born Reinaldo Santoni on April 21, 1938, in the Bronx, New York, Reni had French and Spanish roots. He initially aimed to become a sports journalist but shifted to acting after beginning his career as a comedy writer. Reni was married twice and had two children, one of whom is a son named Nick.
Career
Reni Santoni’s career took off in the 1960s when he was cast in Carl Reiner’s film Enter Laughing (1967). While he was praised for his performance, he didn’t rise to major stardom. Instead, he became known for supporting roles alongside notable actors like Clint Eastwood and Steve Martin, and also lent his voice to characters in animated films. Reni’s television appearances spanned several decades, including roles in shows like Murder, She Wrote and Seinfeld, where he became popular for his character “Poppie.”
Death and Legacy
Reni Santoni passed away on August 1, 2020, in Los Angeles due to throat and lung cancer. He is remembered for his versatile acting skills and his contributions to film and television, leaving a lasting impact on his audience and peers alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty Harry | 1971-12-23 | Chico |
| 28 Days | 2000-04-06 | Daniel |
| The Late Shift | 1996-02-24 | John Agoglia |
| The Package | 1989-01-25 | Chicago Police Lieutenant |
| Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid | 1982-05-21 | Carlos Rodriguez |
| Cobra | 1986-01-01 | Sergeant Gonzales |
| Seinfeld | 1989-07-05 | Poppie |
| Private Parts | 1997-03-07 | Vallesecca |