Al Lettieri's Biography

Al Lettieri was an acclaimed American actor best known for his compelling performances as tough, often menacing characters in classic crime films of the 1970s. Born on February 24, 1928, in New York City, Lettieri rose to fame with his iconic portrayal of Virgil 'The Turk' Sollozzo in Francis Ford Coppola’s legendary film, The Godfather (1972). His intense screen presence and authentic depiction of Italian-American mobsters made him a sought-after character actor in Hollywood. In addition to The Godfather, Lettieri delivered memorable performances in films such as The Getaway (1972) alongside Steve McQueen and McQ (1974) with John Wayne. Despite his relatively short career, Lettieri’s impact on the film industry is undeniable, and his roles continue to influence portrayals of mobsters in cinema. Known for his deep voice and rugged demeanor, Lettieri often drew upon his Italian heritage and real-life connections to the New York underworld to bring realism to his roles. He was married to Jan Lettieri and was known to be a family man with one child. Outside of acting, he enjoyed cooking and reading crime novels. Al Lettieri’s legacy lives on through his unforgettable film performances and his contribution to the genre of crime drama.