- Older brother of actor Joseph Campanella.
- Growing up in New York speaking Italian before he learned English, he later worked as a civilian interpreter during WWII deciphering Italian and Sicilian dialects for the U.S. government.
- Coached Robert De Niro to Oscar-winning success with his Sicilian dialog in The Godfather Part II (1974).
- Originally set out to be a concert pianist. His father was a musician and piano builder and played in orchestras backing up such musical luminaries Jimmy Durante, Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor.
- Helped Robert De Niro with the Sicilian dialog in "The Godfather Part II.".
- Had minor roles in a large number of director Garry Marshall's films.
- Enrolled at Manhattan College as a drama major.
- Tall and imposing-looking Italian-American character 'tough guy' who contributed hundreds of roles to Broadway, film and TV, playing both cops and pugnacious bad guys.
- Once co-hosted a radio show titled "Offbeat Notes on Music" for KCSN.
- During World War II he worked as a civilian interpreter, deciphering Italian and Sicilian dialects for the U.S. government.
- Was in S1 ep10 of "Mannix" that also starred his younger brother Joseph, although they never appeared together in any scene.
- Died of complications from Crohn's disease, a disease that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Studied drama at Manhattan college.
- Uncle of Rob Campanella and Dominic Campanelli.
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