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Born: September 26, 1901 – Died: November 24, 1980
Born in the rugged streets of Hell's Kitchen, New York City, on September 26, 1901, George Raft emerged from humble beginnings as George Ranft. The son of Eva and Conrad Ranft, a department store deliveryman, George was raised in a working-class family of German descent. His journey from these challenging origins led him to Hollywood in 1928, where he ventured into acting. George Raft's initial breakthrough came as a coin-tossing henchman, setting the stage for a career filled with tough-guy roles, often portraying gangsters or convicts. His undeniable charisma and associations with real-life gangsters added intrigue to his persona, making him a unique figure in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
George Raft's childhood and upbringing in the gritty neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen instilled in him a toughness that would later serve him well in his on-screen roles. He didn't attend university but instead followed his passion for dancing during his youth. It was his skillful dancing and striking appearance that initially garnered attention at local spots like the El Fey Club.
In 1928, George made the bold move to Hollywood, hoping to make it in the world of acting. His first significant break came when he portrayed a coin-tossing henchman in an unnamed film. However, it was his portrayal of tough-guy roles, particularly gangsters and convicts, that became his signature. His portrayal of these characters was so convincing that it fueled persistent rumors that he had real-life gangster connections, adding to his mystique.
While George Raft's slightly shady reputation may have contributed to his early popularity, it became a double-edged sword in his later career, as it made him less appealing to movie executives. Nevertheless, he continued to work steadily in Hollywood, accumulating numerous credits over the years.
One of his most notable roles came in the 1959 classic "Some Like It Hot," where he played Spats Colombo. This film marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility beyond gangster roles and earning him acclaim.
Although he didn't receive many awards during his career, George Raft left an indelible mark on Hollywood. His unique persona and on-screen presence made him an icon of his era. He was known for his trademark coin-tossing gesture and was often associated with the phrase "George Raft, you shoulda stood in pictures." Despite the controversies and challenges he faced, he remains a legendary figure in the history of cinema, forever remembered for his contribution to the tough-guy archetype in film.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | The Man with Bogart's Face | Petey Cane |
| 1977 | Sextette | George Raft |
| 1972 | Hammersmith Is Out | Guido Scartucci |
| 1972 | Deadhead Miles | Gas Station Customer |
| 1971 | The Chicago Teddy Bears (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1971 | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (TV Series) | Guest Performer (uncredited) |
| 1968 | Skidoo | The Skipper |
| 1967 | Five Golden Dragons | Dragon #2 |
| 1967 | Casino Royale | George Raft |
| 1967 | Batman (TV Series) | Citizen in Bank (uncredited) |
| 1966 | The Upper Hand | Charles Binnaggio |
| 1964 | The Patsy | George Raft |
| 1964 | For Those Who Think Young | Detective (uncredited) |
| 1964 | The Ed Sullivan Show (TV Series) | Tango Dancer |
| 1962 | Two Guys Abroad | Nightclub co-owner |
| 1961 | The Ladies Man | George Raft |
| 1960 | Ocean's Eleven | Jack Strager |
| 1955–1960 | The Red Skelton Hour (TV Series) | Mike McCluskey | Ace Williams - Gangster | Big Jack - Speakeasy Operator |
| 1959 | Jet Over the Atlantic | Stafford |
| 1959 | Some Like It Hot | Spats Colombo |
| 1956 | Around the World in 80 Days | Barbary Coast Saloon Bouncer |
| 1955 | A Bullet for Joey | Joe Victor |
| 1955 | The Jack Benny Program (TV Series) | The Gang leader |
| 1954 | Black Widow | Detective Lt. C.A. Bruce |
| 1954 | Rogue Cop | Dan Beaumonte |
| 1953 | I'm the Law (TV Series) | Police Lt. George Kirby |
| 1953 | The Man from Cairo | Mike Canelli |
| 1952 | I'll Get You | Steve Rossi |
| 1952 | Loan Shark | Joe Gargen |
| 1951 | Lucky Nick Cain | Nick Cain |
| 1950 | Nous irons à Paris | George Raft |
| 1949 | A Dangerous Profession | Vince Kane |
| 1949 | Red Light | John Torno |
| 1949 | Johnny Allegro | Johnny Allegro |
| 1949 | Outpost in Morocco | Capt. Paul Gerard |
| 1948 | Race Street | Gannin |
| 1947 | Christmas Eve | Mario Torio |
| 1947 | Intrigue | Brad Dunham |
| 1946 | Nocturne | Police Lt. Joe Warne |
| 1946 | Mr. Ace | Eddie Ace |
| 1946 | Whistle Stop | Kenny Veech |
| 1945 | Johnny Angel | Johnny Angel |
| 1945 | Nob Hill | Tony Angelo |
| 1944 | Follow the Boys | Tony West |
| 1943 | Air Force: The Radio Play (Video) | Joe Winocki (voice) |
| 1943 | Background to Danger | Joe Barton |
| 1943 | Stage Door Canteen | George Raft |
| 1942 | Broadway | George Raft |
| 1941 | Manpower | Johnny Marshall |
| 1940 | They Drive by Night | Joe Fabrini |
| 1940 | The House Across the Bay | Steve Larwitt |
| 1939 | Invisible Stripes | Cliff Taylor |
| 1939 | I Stole a Million | Joe Lourik |
| 1939 | Each Dawn I Die | 'Hood' Stacey |
| 1939 | The Lady's from Kentucky | Marty Black |
| 1938 | Spawn of the North | Tyler Dawson |
| 1938 | You and Me | Joe Dennis |
| 1937 | Souls at Sea | Powdah |
| 1936 | Yours for the Asking | Johnny Lamb |
| 1936 | It Had to Happen | Enrico Scaffa |
| 1935 | She Couldn't Take It | Joseph 'Spot' Ricardi |
| 1935 | Every Night at Eight | 'Tops' Cardona |
| 1935 | The Glass Key | Ed Beaumont |
| 1935 | Stolen Harmony | Ray Angelo alias Ray Ferraro |
| 1935 | Rumba | Joe Martin |
| 1934 | Limehouse Blues | Harry Young |
| 1934 | The Trumpet Blows | Manuel Montes |
| 1934 | Hollywood on Parade No. B-8 (Short) | Unknown |
| 1934 | Bolero | Raoul De Baere |
| 1934 | All of Me | Honey Rogers |
| 1933 | The Bowery | Steve Brodie |
| 1933 | Midnight Club | Nick Mason |
| 1933 | Pick-up | Harry Glynn |
| 1933 | Hollywood on Parade No. A-6 (Short) | Unknown |
| 1932 | Under-Cover Man | Nick Darrow |
| 1932 | If I Had a Million | Eddie Jackson |
| 1932 | Night After Night | Joe Anton |
| 1932 | Madame Racketeer | Jack Houston |
| 1932 | Love Is a Racket | Sneaky (scenes deleted) |
| 1932 | Night World | Ed Powell |
| 1932 | Scarface | Rinaldo |
| 1932 | Dancers in the Dark | Louie Brooks |
| 1931 | Taxi | William Kenny - Dance Contestant (uncredited) |
| 1931 | Palmy Days | Joe - Yolando's Henchman |
| 1931 | Hush Money | Maxie |
| 1931 | Goldie | Pickpocket (uncredited) |
| 1931 | Quick Millions | Jimmy Kirk |
| 1929 | Side Street | Georgie Ames - the Dancer (uncredited) |
| 1929 | Gold Diggers of Broadway | Dancer (uncredited) |
| 1929 | Queen of the Night Clubs | Gigola |