Richard Conte was an American actor best known for his roles in “The Godfather,” “Call Northside 777,” and “Thieves’ Highway.” He was born Nicholas Peter Conte on March 24, 1910, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to an Italian-American family.
Personal and Family Life
Richard Conte was married twice, first to Ruth Storey from 1943 until their divorce in 1963, during which they had one child, Mark Conte, who became a film editor. Later, he married Shirlee Garner in 1972, and they remained together until his death in 1975.
Career Overview
Conte began his career in a variety of jobs before finding success as an actor. He made his Broadway debut in 1939 and transitioned to film with his debut in “Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence.” He became well-known during the Second World War, often playing soldier roles, and later gained fame for his parts in film noir movies.
Death and Legacy
Richard Conte passed away from a heart attack on April 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 65. Despite a career that waned in the 1960s and 1970s, he is remembered for his significant contributions to classic American cinema, particularly in film noir and character-driven roles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean’s Eleven | 1960-08-10 | Anthony Bergdorf |
| The Greatest Story Ever Told | 1965-04-09 | Barabbas |
| La encadenada | 1975-05-04 | The Millionaire |
| House of Strangers | 1949-07-01 | Max Monetti |
| Thieves’ Highway | 1949-09-20 | Nick Garcos |
| Cry of the City | 1948-09-29 | Martin Rome |
| The Blue Gardenia | 1953-03-20 | Casey Mayo |
| The Big Combo | 1955-02-13 | Mr. Brown |
| Call Northside 777 | 1948-02-13 | Frank W. Wiecek |
| The Godfather | 1972-03-14 | Don Barzini |