Anecdotes

He was initially offered $250,000, then a seven-figure amount, for the film rights to his play "A Bronx Tale," but he refused to sell out, insisting that he write the screenplay and play the lead, which he did (Il était une fois le Bronx (1993)).

Got his role in The Usual Suspects after it was turned down by Al Pacino.

Chazz used to bounce at The LimeLight in New York City.

Is a frequent caller to WFAN sports radio in New York.

Italian-American, with roots in Agrigento, Sicily.

Although "A Bronx Tale" was his first play, he had written skits for a comedy troupe for about four or five years prior to that.

Filmed a very eloquent voice-over eulogy to Edward G. Robinson for TCM, where he pays moving tribute to the great Golden Age actor, and where he beautifully showcases the emotional nuances and fine subtleties in Robinson's acting. It airs every few years on TCM.

Daughter Gabriella Palminteri born 25 December 2001 in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Began as a long-haired lead singer for a band called "Razzamachazz."

Son Dante Palminteri born October 11, 1995.

Was considered for the role of Dean Martin in Les rois de Las Vegas (1998).

Voiced two animated characters who were junkyard animals that hated house animals. In Stuart Little (1999) he voiced Smokey a junkyard cat who hated house cats and in Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure he voiced Buster a junkyard dog who hated house dogs.

Was born dyslexic but overcame it with regular exercise.

As of 2018, has never appeared in a film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.

Friends with Carmine Caridi.