Born: December 29, 1950 – Died: September 1, 2016
Jon Polito, a talented actor known for his work with The Coen brothers, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on December 29, 1950, Polito embarked on a prolific career that spanned nearly 100 films and numerous television appearances. His notable roles in movies such as Miller's Crossing, Barton Fink, The Man Who Wasn't There, and The Crow showcased his versatile acting skills. Polito's collaborations with acclaimed directors like Clint Eastwood, Tim Burton, and Ridley Scott further solidified his reputation as a respected actor. With a rich body of work, Jon Polito's contributions to film and television continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Early Life and Career
Jon Polito was born on December 29, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Polito attended a university where he studied film and design under the guidance of Theodora Skipitares, a New York theatre artist who greatly influenced his career.
Polito's journey in the entertainment industry began with his first professional role in the film "Death Wish" in 1974. However, it was his collaboration with the Coen brothers that brought him significant recognition and success. His role as Johnny Caspar in the Coen brothers' film "Miller's Crossing" (1990) showcased his exceptional acting skills and garnered critical acclaim.
While Polito's role in "Miller's Crossing" was a breakthrough moment in his career, it was his portrayal of gangster detective Angelo Frazier in the television series "Homicide: Life on the Street" (1993-1999) that catapulted him further into the limelight. The show, known for its gritty realism and stellar performances, solidified Polito's status as a respected actor in both film and television.
Throughout his career, Jon Polito received several awards and nominations for his exceptional talent. He won the Best Actor OBIE award for off-Broadway theater in 1980 and the Best Actor Award at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival in 2012 for his role in the short film "Anti-Muse." He also received the New York Independent Festival Award for Excellence in Acting and the 2005 Cinequest Maverick Award for his lifetime body of work in film and television.
Jon Polito's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is evident through his extensive filmography and collaborations with renowned directors. His versatile acting abilities and memorable performances have made him a respected figure in the industry. He leaves behind a legacy of remarkable work that continues to captivate audiences. Jon Polito's contributions to film and television will always be remembered and appreciated.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | The Maestro | Herbert Englehart |
| 2017 | Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure (TV Series) | Griffon of Pittsford (voice) |
| 2017 | The Super Man (TV Series) | Floyd |
| 2016 | Ultimate Spider-Man (TV Series) | Hammerhead (voice) |
| 2016 | Major Crimes (TV Series) | Dino Kotero |
| 2016 | Batman: Arkham Underworld (Video Game) | Carmine Falcone (voice) |
| 2016 | Comedy Bang! Bang! (TV Series) | Frank O'Brien |
| 2014–2016 | Modern Family (TV Series) | Earl Chambers |
| 2016 | American Dad! (TV Series) | (voice) |
| 2015 | Broker (TV Short) | Ignacio Ronconi |
| 2014 | Saint Francis (TV Movie) | Cupcake |
| 2014 | Big Eyes | Enrico Banducci |
| 2014 | 39 to Go (TV Series) | Mathis |
| 2014 | Murder in the First (TV Series) | Judge Greer | Judge Emerson Greer |
| 2014 | Castle (TV Series) | Harold Metzger |
| 2014 | Locker 13 | Don Dillan (segment "#1 Down and Out") |
| 2013 | Batman: Arkham Origins (Video Game) | G.C.P.D. Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb (voice) |
| 2012–2013 | Bunheads (TV Series) | Sal Russano |
| 2013 | Gangster Squad | Dragna |
| 2012 | Anti-Muse (Short) | Anti-Muse |
| 2012 | Mike & Molly (TV Series) | Frankie |
| 2012 | Robot and Monster (TV Series) | Sir Cranklin (voice) |
| 2012 | Franklin & Bash (TV Series) | 'Lucky' Louie Gianelli |
| 2011 | Jonny Boy (Short) | Jonny Boy |
| 2011 | Thundercats (TV Series) | Conquedor (voice) |
| 2011 | It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (TV Series) | Gino |
| 2011 | Batman: Year One (Video) | Commissioner Loeb (voice) |
| 2011 | Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (TV Series) | Mizaru (voice) |
| 2011 | From the Head | Vinnie |
| 2011 | Atlas Shrugged: Part I | Orren Boyle |
| 2011 | Son of Morning | Mr. Bordasche |
| 2011 | Funny or Die Presents... (TV Series) | Eddy (segment "United States Police Department") |
| 2010 | The Talking Head (Short) | Mr. Opportunity |
| 2010 | Stiffs | John "The Prince" Monaco |
| 2010 | The Last Godfather | Don Bonfante |
| 2010 | Venus & Vegas | Frank |
| 2010 | Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (Video) | Police Captain (voice) |
| 2010 | DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection (Video) | Police Captain (segment "The Spectre") (voice) |
| 2009–2010 | Glenn Martin DDS (TV Series) | Vito Renzuli (voice) |
| 2010 | The Grind | HIM |
| 2010 | Burning Palms | Ned |
| 2010 | The Mentalist (TV Series) | Bertram Duesterberg |
| 2010 | DC Showcase: The Spectre (Short) | Police Captain (voice) |
| 2009 | Citizen Jane (TV Movie) | Detective Romer |
| 2008–2009 | Raising the Bar (TV Series) | Judge Dominick Ventimiglia |
| 2009 | Locker 13: Down and Out (Short) | Don Dillan |
| 2009 | Monk (TV Series) | George Gionopolis |
| 2008 | Two and a Half Men (TV Series) | Mr. Sharipa |
| 2008 | Chocolate News (TV Series) | Harvey Silverstein |
| 2008 | Do Not Disturb (TV Series) | R.J. |
| 2008 | Animated American (Short) | Max Rabbit |
| 2007–2008 | El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera (TV Series) | Don Bafi | Big Man (voice) |
| 2008 | Bart Got a Room | Bob |
| 2008 | Chowder (TV Series) | Funjl | Guy (voice) |
| 2008 | Super Capers: The Origins of Ed and the Missing Bullion | Captain Sludge |
| 2008 | Rock Monster (TV Movie) | The Colonel |
| 2008 | The Marconi Bros. | Lou Burns |
| 2008 | Las Vegas (TV Series) | The Cleaner |
| 2005–2008 | Ghost Whisperer (TV Series) | Joe Grimaldi |
| 2007 | American Gangster | Rossi |
| 2007 | Dead Head Fred (Video Game) | Ulysses S. Pitt (voice) |
| 2007 | Cougar Club | Mr. Archibald |
| 2007 | Medium (TV Series) | Vincent Discala |
| 2006 | Cleaners (Short) | Unknown |
| 2006 | Happily N'Ever After | Wolf 1 (voice, as John Polito) |
| 2006 | Big Nothing | Agent Hymes |
| 2006 | Flags of Our Fathers | Borough President |
| 2006 | Handy Manny (TV Series) | Joe Bolotero (voice) |
| 2006 | Grilled | Leon Waterman |
| 2006 | Cutting Room | Sandy |
| 2006 | Masters of Horror (TV Series) | Montesquino |
| 2006 | Lies and Alibis | Jimmy the Photographer |
| 2005 | The Buzz on Maggie (TV Series) | New Pupert | New Aldrin (voice) |
| 2005 | Avatar: The Last Airbender (TV Series) | Chief Arnook | Additional Voices (voice) |
| 2005 | Threshold (TV Series) | Nicky Frost |
| 2005 | The Honeymooners | Kirby |
| 2005 | Gone But Not Forgotten (TV Movie) | Sam Oberhurst |
| 2005 | American Dad: The New CIA (Short) | Petruchio |
| 2005 | Without a Trace (TV Series) | Jimmy 'The Tooth' Fusco |
| 2005 | Short Order | Unknown |
| 2005 | Desperate Housewives (TV Series) | Charles Skouras |
| 2005 | Family Plan (TV Movie) | Gold |
| 2004 | My Wife and Kids (TV Series) | Minister |
| 2004 | Scrubs (TV Series) | Mr. Summers |
| 2004 | The Last Shot | Wally Kamin |
| 2004 | Charlie the Ox | Freddy Boon |
| 2004 | The Jury (TV Series) | Johnny Pappas |
| 2003–2004 | Oliver Beene (TV Series) | Mr. Rayfield |
| 2004 | Judging Amy (TV Series) | D.A. Gerald Abner |
| 2004 | It's All Relative (TV Series) | Leonard |
| 2004 | 10-8: Officers on Duty (TV Series) | Enzo Fontana |
| 2003 | Life on Parole (TV Movie) | Ernie |
| 2003 | The Lyon's Den (TV Series) | Mr. Carpeggi |
| 2003 | The Box | Michael Dickerson |
| 2003 | No Credits, No Peace (Short) | The Network Executive |
| 2002–2003 | Gilmore Girls (TV Series) | Pete | 'Father' in Kirk's Film |
| 2003 | View from the Top | Roy Roby |
| 2003 | Crossing Jordan (TV Series) | Dick |
| 2003 | Dragnet (TV Series) | Richard Maughm |
| 2003 | The Singing Detective | Second Hood |
| 2002 | Black Mask 2: City of Masks | King |
| 2002 | She Spies (TV Series) | Edward Malloy |
| 2002 | Push, Nevada (TV Series) | Silas Bodnick |
| 2002 | Women vs. Men (TV Movie) | Desk Sgt. |
| 2002 | 29 Palms | The Security Guard |
| 2002 | Time Squad (TV Series) | Al Capone |
| 2002 | Becker (TV Series) | Leonard Nagle |
| 2001–2002 | The Chronicle (TV Series) | Donald Stern |
| 2001–2002 | The Drew Carey Show (TV Series) | Stansfield | The Baby |
| 2001 | Mimic 2 (Video) | Morrie |
| 2001 | The Chris Isaak Show (TV Series) | Rhonda Parks |
| 2001 | The Man Who Wasn't There | Creighton Tolliver |
| 2001 | The Shrink Is In | Judge Bob |
| 2001 | Frank's Last Dance (Short) | Frank |
| 2001 | The Tailor of Panama | Ramon Rudd |
| 2000 | Oh Yeah! Cartoons (TV Series) | Fisherman (segment "Tales from the Goose Lady: The Fisherman, the Fisherman's Wife, and the Fish") (voice) |
| 2000 | Nature Boy (TV Movie) | Mort Ruby |
| 2000 | Flies on Cupid | Giorgio Gagantano |
| 2000 | Batman Beyond (TV Series) | Major (voice) |
| 2000 | Boys Life 3 | Paparazzi (segment "Inside Out") |
| 2000 | Gideon's Crossing (TV Series) | Lou Peda |
| 2000 | The Tangerine Bear: Home in Time for Christmas! (Video) | Virgil (voice) |
| 2000 | The Dancing Pumpkin (Video) | (as John Polito) |
| 2000 | The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle | Schoentell |
| 2000 | The Invisible Man (TV Series) | Eddie The Mammoth |
| 2000 | Popular (TV Series) | Caesar Croutons |
| 2000 | After Sex | Naldo (as John Polito) |
| 1997–2000 | Early Edition (TV Series) | Cliff Mourning | Louie DeFozio |
| 2000 | Homicide: The Movie (TV Movie) | Steve Crosetti |
| 1996–2000 | The Pretender (TV Series) | Constantin Falzone | Ben Hansel |
| 1999 | Surgeon General's Warning (Short) | The Other Guy |
| 1999 | Carlo's Wake | Uncle Gus |
| 1999 | Stuart Little | Officer Sherman |
| 1999 | The Apartment Complex (TV Movie) | Dr. Caligari |
| 1999 | Good vs Evil (TV Series) | Howard |
| 1999 | Nash Bridges (TV Series) | Roland Margolis |
| 1999 | Lands of Lore III (Video Game) | Dark Army Orc | Elliott the Guard | Viscosa (voice) |
| 1999 | Road Kill | Jelly |
| 1999 | Angel's Dance | Uncle Vinnie |
| 1998 | Nowhere Land | Frank |
| 1998 | Millennium (TV Series) | Eddie Scarpino Giannini |
| 1998 | Veronica's Closet (TV Series) | Mr. Lehman |
| 1998 | Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show (TV Series) | Marv Fishland |
| 1998 | With Friends Like These | Rudy Ptak |
| 1998 | Money Play$ (TV Movie) | Lou Spano |
| 1998 | Music from Another Room | Lorenzo Palmieri |
| 1998 | Tale of the Mummy | Parsons |
| 1998 | The Defenders: Choice of Evils (TV Movie) | D.A. Al Orsini |
| 1998 | The Big Lebowski | Private Snoop |
| 1998 | Seinfeld (TV Series) | Silvio |
| 1996–1998 | New York Undercover (TV Series) | Rinaldi | John Dennis |
| 1998 | Jenny (TV Series) | Sid Bouchie |
| 1998 | Players (TV Series) | Pappas |
| 1997 | Invasion (TV Mini Series) | Det. Kemper |
| 1997 | NightMan (TV Series) | Al Capone |
| 1997 | Life with Louie (TV Series) | Red Meat (voice) |
| 1997 | Over the Top (TV Series) | Mr. Hampstead |
| 1997 | The Corporate Ladder | Mr. Deacon |
| 1997 | Fired Up (TV Series) | Sam Harris |
| 1996 | Inside Out (Short) | Paparazzi Man |
| 1996 | Just Your Luck (Video) | Nick |
| 1996 | Roseanne (TV Series) | Mr. Russo |
| 1996 | Swift Justice (TV Series) | Tom Luddy |
| 1996 | High Incident (TV Series) | Victor the Clown |
| 1996 | Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco | Ashcan (voice) |
| 1995–1996 | Dream On (TV Series) | Louie |
| 1995 | High Society (TV Series) | Alvin Spalding |
| 1995 | The Invaders (TV Mini Series) | Whitley, Metro HQ (uncredited) |
| 1995 | NYPD Blue (TV Series) | Paul Biaggi |
| 1995 | Bushwhacked | Agent Palmer |
| 1995 | Burke's Law (TV Series) | Tony Renaldo |
| 1995 | Fluke | Boss |
| 1995 | Mad About You (TV Series) | Ralphy |
| 1995 | Chicago Hope (TV Series) | Det. Bill Ranford |
| 1994 | The Shaggy Dog (TV Movie) | Detective Al |
| 1994 | Rebel Highway (TV Series) | Boss Ed Johnson |
| 1994 | Girls in Prison (TV Movie) | Boss Johnson |
| 1994 | Blankman | Michael 'The Suit' Minelli |
| 1992–1994 | Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) | Lieutenant Peter DiMartini |
| 1994 | The Crow | Gideon |
| 1993–1994 | Homicide: Life on the Street (TV Series) | Steve Crosetti |
| 1994 | The Hudsucker Proxy | Mr. Bumstead |
| 1994 | Viper (TV Series) | Councilman Strand |
| 1994 | Viper (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1993 | The Untouchables (TV Series) | Tommy Palumbo |
| 1993 | Fallen Angels (TV Series) | Al Reseck |
| 1993 | The Contenders | Pedro Perusia |
| 1993 | Dinosaurs (TV Series) | Ty Warner (voice) |
| 1992 | Flodder in Amerika! | Larry Rosenbaum |
| 1992 | Hearts Are Wild (TV Series) | Leon 'Pepe' Pepperman |
| 1991 | Leather Jackets | Fat Jack |
| 1991 | Empty Nest (TV Series) | Slocum |
| 1991 | Tales from the Crypt (TV Series) | Nikos Stano |
| 1991 | The Rocketeer | Bigelow |
| 1991 | Barton Fink | Lou Breeze |
| 1990 | Miller's Crossing | Johnny Caspar |
| 1990 | The Freshman | Chuck Greenwald |
| 1989 | Trying Times (TV Series) | Agent Caponello |
| 1989 | Livin' Large (TV Movie) | Sal |
| 1986–1989 | The Equalizer (TV Series) | David Pfieffer | Gene Carmack | Carmack ... |
| 1988 | Miami Vice (TV Series) | El Gato |
| 1988 | Homeboy | Moe Fingers |
| 1986–1988 | Crime Story (TV Series) | Phil Bartoli |
| 1988 | Wiseguy (TV Series) | Eddie Van Platt |
| 1988 | Alone in the Neon Jungle (TV Movie) | Brad Stakowski |
| 1987 | Memories of Manon (TV Movie) | Carmack |
| 1987 | Ohara (TV Series) | Capt. Ross |
| 1987 | Critical Condition | Kline |
| 1986 | Fire with Fire | Boss |
| 1986 | A Deadly Business (TV Movie) | Vitola |
| 1986 | Highlander | Det. Walter Bedsoe |
| 1986 | Dream Lover | Dr. James |
| 1985 | Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins | Zack |
| 1985 | Death of a Salesman (TV Movie) | Howard Wagner |
| 1985 | Compromising Positions | 1st Cop (as John Polito) |
| 1984 | The Fantasies of Miss Jones | Private Detective |
| 1984 | C.H.U.D. | Newscaster |
| 1984 | A Good Sport (TV Movie) | Man in Taxi |
| 1983 | As the World Turns (TV Series) | Propney |
| 1983 | Running Out (TV Movie) | Joe Poswalsky |
| 1982 | The Clairvoyant | Detective Sporaco |
| 1982 | Another World (TV Series) | Bobo Carter |
| 1981 | The Gangster Chronicles (TV Mini Series) | Thomas 'Three Finger Brown' Lucchese |
| 1981 | Gangster Wars | Thomas "Three Fingers Brown" Lucchese |
