Trivia

Almost always played menacing Italian New Yorkers (though he was himself of Spanish heritage). However, one of his most memorable roles was as a good guy: the weary but righteous Detective Bishop in El verdugo de Nueva York (1990).

He was frequently cast as Italian and Irish Americans even though his real-life heritage was entirely Puerto Rican.

He died from lung cancer at Saint Vincent's Catholic Medical Center in Manhattan. His body was donated to Manhattan College for medical science.

He appeared in six films directed by Martin Scorsese: Bertha, ladrona y amante (1972), Calles peligrosas (1973), Taxi Driver (1976), Después de hora (1985), La última tentación de Cristo (1988) and Historias de Nueva York (1989).

Appeared in two films where Jodie Foster portrayed a prostitute: Taxi Driver and Woody Allen's Shadows and Fog.

Appeared in 12 films with Harvey Keitel: Calles peligrosas (1973), Taxi Driver (1976), Amor a primera vista (1984), Policía por error (1986), The Pick-up Artist (1987), La última tentación de Cristo (1988), Corrupción judicial (1992), Mi adorable delincuente (1994), Somebody to Love (1994), Smoke (1995), Blue in the Face (1995), and Lulú en el puente (1998).