David Proval

David Proval (born May 20, 1942) is an American actor whose career spans over five decades, marked by a remarkable versatility and a knack for portraying gritty, memorable characters. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, into a Jewish family; his mother, Clara Katz, was an actress who emigrated from Bucharest, Romania, giving Proval an early exposure to the performing arts and a cultural heritage that would later inform many of his roles. Proval began his professional journey in the early 1970s, making his screen debut in Martin Scorsese’s seminal crime drama Mean Streets (1973) as the volatile Tony DeVienazo, a role that established him as a formidable presence in New York‑based storytelling. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he cultivated a reputation as a reliable character actor, appearing in a wide array of films such as The Shawshank Redemption (1994) where he delivered a memorable turn as the street‑wise inmate Snooze, and Four Rooms (1995) where he played Siegfried, showcasing his comedic timing. His filmography also includes cult and mainstream titles like The Phantom, Mob Queen, UHF, The Monster Squad, and Balls of Fury, as well as cameo appearances in The Brady Bunch Movie and Smokin' Aces. On television, Proval proved equally adaptable, with recurring roles on series such as Picket Fences, Boomtown, and Everybody Loves Raymond, and a notable guest spot on The West Wing (“Take This Sabbath Day”) as Rabbi Cohen, a performance that highlighted his ability to convey depth in brief appearances. Perhaps his most iconic television role came as Richie Aprile on HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Sopranos (1999–2007), where his portrayal of the volatile mobster earned him a dedicated fan base and cemented his status in modern television lore. In addition to live‑action work, Proval lent his voice to the cult animated film Wizards (1977), embodying the robotic assassin Necron 99, further demonstrating his range across media formats. He continued to work into the 2000s, starring as twin brothers in the Hallmark original Murder Without Conviction (2004) and maintaining a steady presence in both film and TV, evidencing a career defined by enduring relevance, diverse character work, and a commitment to his craft that resonates with audiences and peers alike.