Richard Foronjy, a renowned character actor who had a fascinating journey from the shadowy gangster world to the silver screen, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. His illustrious career spanned movies such as "Midnight Run," "Prince of the City," and "Carlito's Way," where he showcased his immense talent.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Foronjy's first brush with acting came in the form of a small but memorable role as Corsaro in the 1973 crime drama "Serpico." The film, starring Al Pacino, chronicled the real-life story of a whistleblower whose revelations led to a groundbreaking investigation by the Knapp Commission.
In the hilarious 1984 comedy "Repo Man," starring Harry Dean Stanton and Emilio Estevez, Foronjy stole the show as Arnold Plettschner, a rent-a-cop with a fiery temper and a penchant for delivering colorful speeches. His memorable lines, such as "You're fuckin' right I'm Plettschner! Arnold Plettschner! Three times decorated in two world wars! I was killing people while you were still swimming around in your father's balls! You little scumbag! I worked five years in a slaughterhouse, and ten years as a prison guard in Attica!" were both hilarious and haunting, showcasing Foronjy's incredible range as an actor.
Foronjy's life was as fascinating as his on-screen performances, and his passing leaves a void in the world of cinema that will be difficult to fill.
In the hilarious and action-packed 1988 film "Midnight Run," Foronjy portrayed the ruthless mobster Tony Darvo, sharing the screen with renowned actors Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. Later, in the crime-infused drama "Carlito's Way" released in 1993, starring Al Pacino and Sean Penn, he once again took on the role of a mob figure, this time as Peter Amadesso. The film chronicled the tale of Carlito Brigante, a criminal who vowed to turn his back on a life of crime.
His illustrious acting career also boasted roles in various other notable films, including "Once Upon a Time in America," "Ghostbusters II," and "Prince of the City." Additionally, he made numerous appearances in television series, starring in hit shows like "Who's the Boss," "Murphy's Law," "Silver Spoons," "The Jeffersons," "Cagney & Lacy," and "Hill St. Blues."
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the silver screen, Foronjy penned an insightful memoir titled "From the Mob to the Movies: How I Escaped the Mafia and Landed in Hollywood," under the pseudonym Richie Salerno. Published in 2020, the book captured the remarkable journey of his life, from his days as a mobster in New York to his successful career in Hollywood.
Foronjy leaves behind a loving family, including his children Charles Foronjy, Susan Argentina, Christine Argentina, and Richard Foronjy, along with 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by his partner, Wendy Odell Chiaro, and three brothers: Charles, Frank, and William. His legacy will forever be remembered through his illustrious film roles and personal narrative of resilience and transformation.
