Chazz Palminteri

Calogero Lorenzo 'Chazz' Palminteri (born May 15, 1952) is an American actor, filmmaker and playwright. He is best known for his film roles in A Bronx Tale (1993), based on his play of the same name, and Bullets Over Broadway (1994) for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, as well as his recurring role as Shorty in Modern Family (2010–2019). His other notable films include Mulholland Falls (1996), A Night at the Roxbury (1998), Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure (2001) and Little Man (2006). Palminteri has also made his mark in television series such as Wiseguy (1989), Kojak (2005), Rizzoli & Isles (2010–2014) and Godfather of Harlem (2019–2021). Born on May 15, 1952, in The Bronx, New York, Palminteri is of Sicilian origin. His early life included witnessing a mob murder in front of his apartment, which later influenced his work. In addition to acting, he has shown his talent in writing plays and screenplays. Despite some early struggles, he got his breakthrough after being fired from a job as a bouncer, leading him to write A Bronx Tale. His theater and film career was further boosted after Robert De Niro saw his Broadway show of the same title. Palminteri has also made a name behind the camera, making his directorial debut in an episode of Oz, which was followed by TV film Women vs. Men and the 2004 film Noel. He has been recognized for his contributions to independent cinema with the 'Indie Hero Award' at the Method Fest Independent Film Festival.