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Nicholas Peter Conte (March 24, 1910 – April 15, 1975), known professionally as Richard Conte, was an American actor. He appeared in more than 100 films from the 1940s through 1970s, including '' I'll Cry Tomorrow'', ''
Ocean's 11 ''Ocean's 11'' is a 1960 American heist film directed and produced by Lewis Milestone from a screenplay by Harry Brown and Charles Lederer, based on a story by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell. The film stars five of the Rat Pack ...
'', and ''
The Godfather ''The Godfather'' is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo's best-selling 1969 novel of the same title. The film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caa ...
''.


Early life

Richard Conte was born Nicholas Peter Conte on March 24, 1910, in
Jersey City, New Jersey Jersey City is the second-most populous city in the U.S. state of New Jersey, after Newark.Italian-American Italian Americans ( it, italoamericani or ''italo-americani'', ) are Americans who have full or partial Italian ancestry. The largest concentrations of Italian Americans are in the urban Northeast and industrial Midwestern metropolitan areas, ...
s Julia (Fina), a seamstress, and Pasquale Conte, a barber. He graduated from
William L. Dickinson High School William L. Dickinson High School is a four-year comprehensive community public high school located in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey, United States, serving students in ninth through twelfth grades as part of the Jersey City Public Sc ...
in Jersey City. Conte worked as a truck driver, messenger, shoe salesman, and singing waiter before starting his acting career. He was discovered by actors
Elia Kazan Elia Kazan (; born Elias Kazantzoglou ( el, Ηλίας Καζαντζόγλου); September 7, 1909 – September 28, 2003) was an American film and theatre director, producer, screenwriter and actor, described by ''The New York Times'' as "one o ...
and
John Garfield John Garfield (born Jacob Julius Garfinkle, March 4, 1913 – May 21, 1952) was an American actor who played brooding, rebellious, working-class characters. He grew up in poverty in New York City. In the early 1930s, he became a member of ...
during his job at a Connecticut resort, which led to Conte finding stage work. He eventually earned a scholarship to study at the
Neighborhood Playhouse A neighbourhood (British English, Irish English, Australian English and Canadian English) or neighborhood (American English; see spelling differences) is a geographically localised community within a larger city, town, suburb or rural a ...
in New York City, where he became a standout actor. Conte was a Republican who campaigned for
Dwight Eisenhower Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower (born David Dwight Eisenhower; ; October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969) was an American military officer and statesman who served as the 34th president of the United States from 1953 to 1961. During World War I ...
during the 1952 presidential election. He practiced
Roman Catholicism The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
.


Career


Stage

He made his film debut under the name Nicholas Conte in '' Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence'' (1939) at 20th Century Fox. He played Tony, a hobo who meets up with Joe (
Glenn Ford Gwyllyn Samuel Newton "Glenn" Ford (May 1, 1916 – August 30, 2006) was a Canadian-American actor who often portrayed ordinary men in unusual circumstances. Ford was most prominent during Hollywood's Golden Age as one of the biggest box-offi ...
who was also making his film debut) and Anita (
Jean Rogers Jean Rogers (born Eleanor Dorothy Lovegren, March 25, 1916 – February 24, 1991) was an American actress who starred in serial films in the 1930s and low–budget feature films in the 1940s as a leading lady. She is best remembered for ...
). The three of them make their way west hopping trains. They are later joined by Professor B (
Raymond Walburn Raymond Walburn (September 9, 1887 – July 26, 1969) was an American character actor of stage and screen who appeared in dozens of Hollywood movie comedies and an occasional dramatic role during the 1930s and 1940s. Life and career Born i ...
). He made his Broadway debut in ''My Heart's in the Highlands'' (1939) for the Group Theatre. Also for the Group he was in
Clifford Odets Clifford Odets (July 18, 1906 – August 14, 1963) was an American playwright, screenwriter, and actor. In the mid-1930s, he was widely seen as the potential successor to Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O'Neill, as O'Neill began to withdra ...
' ''Night Music'' (1940). He performed in the road company of ''Golden Boy''. On Broadway he was in ''Heavenly Express'' (1941), and ''Walk Into My Parlor'' (1941). He was in a hit in ''Jason'' (1942) then was in ''The Family'' (1943). During World War II, Conte served in the
United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, ...
, but was discharged because of eye trouble.


20th Century Fox

In May 1943, Conte signed a long-term contract with
20th Century Fox 20th Century Studios, Inc. (previously known as 20th Century Fox) is an American film production company headquartered at the Fox Studio Lot in the Century City area of Los Angeles. As of 2019, it serves as a film production arm of Walt Disn ...
, changing his name to Richard Conte. His first Fox film was '' Guadalcanal Diary'' (1943), where he was billed fourth. He followed it with another war drama, ''
The Purple Heart ''The Purple Heart'' is a 1944 American black-and-white war film, produced by Darryl F. Zanuck, directed by Lewis Milestone, and starring Dana Andrews, Richard Conte, Don "Red" Barry, Sam Levene and Trudy Marshall. Eighteen-year-old Farley ...
'' (1944), directed by
Lewis Milestone Lewis Milestone (born Leib Milstein (Russian: Лейб Мильштейн); September 30, 1895 – September 25, 1980) was a Moldovan-American film director. He is known for directing '' Two Arabian Knights'' (1927) and ''All Quiet on the Weste ...
; he was billed second, beneath
Dana Andrews Carver Dana Andrews (January 1, 1909 – December 17, 1992) was an American film actor who became a major star in what is now known as film noir. A leading man during the 1940s, he continued acting in less prestigious roles and character parts ...
. Conte had a smaller part in '' Captain Eddie'' (1945), a biopic about
Eddie Rickenbacker Edward Vernon Rickenbacker or Eddie Rickenbacker (October 8, 1890 – July 23, 1973) was an American fighter pilot in World War I and a Medal of Honor recipient.A Bell for Adano'' (1945). Conte had the star role in another war film for Milestone, '' A Walk in the Sun'' (1945), where he was teamed again with Andrews.


Stardom

Fox promoted Conte to top billing with a film noir, ''
The Spider The Spider is an American pulp-magazine hero of the 1930s and 1940s. The character was created by editor Harry Steeger and written by a variety of authors for 118 monthly issues of '' The Spider'' from 1933 to 1943. A 119th Spider novel manuscr ...
'' (1945). Although a "B" film for the studio, it was successful enough to establish Conte in film noir. He had a good support role in '' Somewhere in the Night'' (1946) directed by Joseph Mankiewicz then supported
James Cagney James Francis Cagney Jr. (; July 17, 1899March 30, 1986) was an American actor, dancer and film director. On stage and in film, Cagney was known for his consistently energetic performances, distinctive vocal style, and deadpan comic timing. He ...
in a spy film, ''
13 Rue Madeleine ''13 Rue Madeleine'' is a 1947 American World War II spy film directed by Henry Hathaway and starring James Cagney, Annabella, Richard Conte and Frank Latimore. Allied volunteers are trained as spies in the leadup to the invasion of Europe, ...
'' (1946), directed by
Henry Hathaway Henry Hathaway (March 13, 1898 – February 11, 1985) was an American film director and producer. He is best known as a director of Westerns, especially starring Randolph Scott and John Wayne. He directed Gary Cooper in seven films. Backgrou ...
. Conte was borrowed by Enterprise Productions for ''
The Other Love ''The Other Love'' is a 1947 American film noir drama romance film directed by Andre DeToth and starring Barbara Stanwyck, David Niven, and Richard Conte. Written by Ladislas Fodor and Harry Brown based on the story "Beyond" by Erich Maria Remar ...
'' (1947) with
Barbara Stanwyck Barbara Stanwyck (; born Ruby Catherine Stevens; July 16, 1907 – January 20, 1990) was an American actress, model and dancer. A stage, film, and television star, during her 60-year professional career she was known for her strong, realistic sc ...
and
David Niven James David Graham Niven (; 1 March 1910 – 29 July 1983) was a British actor, soldier, memoirist, and novelist. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Major Pollock in '' Separate Tables'' (1958). Niven's other roles ...
. Back at Fox he had an excellent part in Hathaway's crime drama ''
Call Northside 777 ''Call Northside 777'' is a 1948 reality-based newspaper drama directed by Henry Hathaway. The film parallels the true story of a Chicago reporter who proved that a man jailed for murder was wrongly convicted 11 years before. James Stewart stars ...
'' (1948), as the prisoner whose innocence is proved by
James Stewart James Maitland Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an American actor and military pilot. Known for his distinctive drawl and everyman screen persona, Stewart's film career spanned 80 films from 1935 to 1991. With the strong morality ...
. Conte was teamed with
Victor Mature Victor John Mature (January 29, 1913 – August 4, 1999) was an American stage, film, and television actor who was a leading man in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. His best known film roles include '' One Million B.C.'' (1940), '' My Darli ...
in ''
Cry of the City ''Cry of the City'' is a 1948 American film noir starring Victor Mature, Richard Conte, and Shelley Winters. Directed by Robert Siodmak, it is based on the novel by Henry Edward Helseth, ''The Chair for Martin Rome''. The screenwriter Ben Hecht ...
'' (1948). MGM borrowed him to support
Wallace Beery Wallace Fitzgerald Beery (April 1, 1885 – April 15, 1949) was an American film and stage actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Bill in '' Min and Bill'' (1930) opposite Marie Dressler, as General Director Preysing in '' Grand Hotel'' ( ...
in '' Big Jack'' (1949), Beery's final film, then he did another for Mankiewicz at Fox, '' House of Strangers'' (1949) with
Edward G. Robinson Edward G. Robinson (born Emanuel Goldenberg; December 12, 1893January 26, 1973) was a Romanian-American actor of stage and screen, who was popular during the Hollywood's Golden Age. He appeared in 30 Broadway plays and more than 100 films duri ...
, playing Max Monetti, a lawyer who defends his father (Robinson) against government charges of banking irregularities and goes to prison for jury tampering. Conte was top billed in ''
Thieves' Highway ''Thieves' Highway'' is a 1949 film noir directed by Jules Dassin. The screenplay was written by A. I. Bezzerides, based on his novel ''Thieves' Market''. The film was released on DVD as part of the Criterion Collection in 2005. Plot A war-v ...
'' (1949), directed by
Jules Dassin Julius "Jules" Dassin (December 18, 1911 – March 31, 2008) was an American film and theatre director, producer, writer and actor. A subject of the Hollywood blacklist in the McCarthy era, he subsequently moved to France, and later Greece, whe ...
, and co-starred with Gene Tierney in
Otto Preminger Otto Ludwig Preminger ( , ; 5 December 1905 – 23 April 1986) was an Austrian-American theatre and film director, film producer, and actor. He directed more than 35 feature films in a five-decade career after leaving the theatre. He first gai ...
's classic film noir ''
Whirlpool A whirlpool is a body of rotating water produced by opposing currents or a current running into an obstacle. Small whirlpools form when a bath or a sink is draining. More powerful ones formed in seas or oceans may be called maelstroms ( ). ''Vo ...
'' (1950).


Universal

Conte signed a contract with Universal Pictures, for whom he starred in some crime films: ''
The Sleeping City ''The Sleeping City'' is a 1950 American film noir crime film in semidocumentary style that was set in and filmed at New York's Bellevue Hospital. Directed by George Sherman, it stars Richard Conte and Coleen Gray. The film is notable for its ph ...
'' (1950); ''
Hollywood Story ''Hollywood Story'' is a 1951 American mystery film directed by William Castle and starring Richard Conte and Julie Adams. The supporting cast features Richard Egan (actor), Richard Egan, Henry Hull, Fred Clark and Jim Backus. The film was an at ...
'' (1951), directed by
William Castle William Castle (born William Schloss Jr.; April 24, 1914 – May 31, 1977) was an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. Orphaned at 11, Castle dropped out of high school at 15 to work in the theater. He came to the attenti ...
; and ''
The Raging Tide ''The Raging Tide'' is a 1951 American film noir and crime film directed by George Sherman and starring Shelley Winters, Richard Conte, Stephen McNally, Charles Bickford and Alex Nicol. The screenplay was by Ernest K. Gann based on his 1950 nov ...
'' (1951). After doing a boxing film for United Artists, ''
The Fighter ''The Fighter'' is a 2010 American biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell, and stars Mark Wahlberg (who also produced), Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo. The film centers on the lives of professional boxer M ...
'' (1952), he returned to Universal for '' The Raiders'' (1952). Conte went to Warner Bros to co-star with
Anne Baxter Anne Baxter (May 7, 1923 – December 12, 1985) was an American actress, star of Hollywood films, Broadway productions, and television series. She won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, and was nominated for an Emmy. A granddaughter of Fr ...
and
Ann Sothern Ann Sothern (born Harriette Arlene Lake; January 22, 1909 – March 15, 2001) was an American actress who worked on stage, radio, film, and television, in a career that spanned nearly six decades. Sothern began her career in the late 1920 ...
in '' The Blue Gardenia'' (1953) directed by
Fritz Lang Friedrich Christian Anton Lang (; December 5, 1890 – August 2, 1976), known as Fritz Lang, was an Austrian film director, screenwriter, and producer who worked in Germany and later the United States.Obituary '' Variety'', August 4, 1976, p. ...
. Back at Universal Conte supported
Alan Ladd Alan Walbridge Ladd (September 3, 1913 – January 29, 1964) was an American actor and film producer. Ladd found success in film in the 1940s and early 1950s, particularly in films noir and Westerns. He was often paired with Veronica Lake ...
in ''
Desert Legion ''Desert Legion'' is a 1953 American adventure film directed by Joseph Pevney and starring Alan Ladd. Plot Ladd stars as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion who stumbles across a lost city in the desert mountains of Algeria in North Africa. C ...
'' (1953). He made ''
Slaves of Babylon ''Slaves of Babylon'' is a 1953 American adventure film directed by William Castle and starring Richard Conte and Linda Christian William Castle called it a "low budget extravaganza". Plot In 586 BC the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the ar ...
'' (1953) for
Sam Katzman Sam Katzman (July 7, 1901 – August 4, 1973) was an American film producer and director. Katzman produced low-budget genre films, including serials, which had disproportionately high returns for the studios and his financial backers. E ...
at Columbia. Conte started guest starring on TV shows such as ''
Medallion Theatre ''Medallion Theatre'', aka ''Chrysler Medallion Theatre'', is a 30-minute American anthology series that aired on CBS from July 11, 1953, to April 3, 1954. Henry Fonda (in the premiere telecast "The Decision of Arrowsmith"), Claude Rains, and Jane ...
'', ''
Ford Television Theatre ''General Motors Theatre'' (also known as ''CBC Theatre, Encounter, Ford Television Theatre,'' and ''General Motors Presents'') was a Canadian television anthology drama series of television plays, which ran on CBC Television under various titl ...
'', and ''
General Electric Theater ''General Electric Theater'' was an American anthology series hosted by Ronald Reagan that was broadcast on CBS radio and television. The series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations. Radio After an audition show ...
''.


Bill Broidy

In 1953 Conte signed a contract with Bill Broidy to make six films over three years, under which he would be paid 25% of the profits. The first was a crime drama, ''
Highway Dragnet ''Highway Dragnet'' is a 1954 American film noir B film crime film directed by Nathan Juran from a story by U.S. Andersen and Roger Corman. The film stars Richard Conte, Joan Bennett and Wanda Hendrix. It was the first feature film on which Rog ...
'' (1954), based on a story by
Roger Corman Roger William Corman (born April 5, 1926) is an American film director, producer, and actor. He has been called "The Pope of Pop Cinema" and is known as a trailblazer in the world of independent film. Many of Corman's films are based on works t ...
and went to England to make ''
Mask of Dust ''Mask of Dust'' (later named 'Race for Life' ) is a 1954 British motor racing drama film directed by Terence Fisher and starring Richard Conte, Mari Aldon and Peter Illing. The film was based on the 1953 novel ''The Last Race'' by Jon Manchi ...
'' (1954) for
Hammer Films A hammer is a tool, most often a hand tool, consisting of a weighted "head" fixed to a long handle that is swung to deliver an impact to a small area of an object. This can be, for example, to drive nails into wood, to shape metal (as wi ...
director
Terence Fisher Terence Fisher (23 February 1904 – 18 June 1980) was a British film director best known for his work for Hammer Films. He was the first to bring gothic horror alive in full colour, and the sexual overtones and explicit horror in his films, ...
. He was going to direct ''The Wolf Pack'' for Broidy but it was not made. Back in the US Conte did ''
The Big Combo ''The Big Combo'' is a 1955 American film noir crime film directed by Joseph H. Lewis, written by Philip Yordan and photographed by cinematographer John Alton, with music by David Raksin. The film stars Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte and Bri ...
'' (1955) for
Cornel Wilde Cornel Wilde (born Kornél Lajos Weisz; October 13, 1912 – October 16, 1989) was a Hungarian-American actor and filmmaker. Wilde's acting career began in 1935, when he made his debut on Broadway. In 1936 he began making small, uncredited app ...
's own company, replacing
Jack Palance Jack Palance ( ; born Volodymyr Palahniuk ( uk, Володимир Палагню́к); February 18, 1919 – November 10, 2006) was an American actor known for playing tough guys and villains. He was nominated for three Academy Awards, all fo ...
; '' New York Confidential'' (1955) for producer
Edward Small Edward Small (born Edward Schmalheiser, February 1, 1891, Brooklyn, New York – January 25, 1977, Los Angeles) was a film producer from the late 1920s through 1970, who was enormously prolific over a 50-year career. He is best known for the movi ...
; and ''
The Big Tip Off ''The Big Tip Off'' is a 1955 American crime drama film directed by Frank McDonald and starring Richard Conte. Summary Richard Conte plays two-bit newspaper columnist Johnny Denton, who gains notoriety by printing tips on upcoming gangland act ...
'' (1955) for Broidy. Conte went back to England for ''
Little Red Monkey ''Little Red Monkey'', released in the United States as ''Case of the Red Monkey'', is a 1955 British crime film directed by Ken Hughes and starring Richard Conte, Rona Anderson and Russell Napier. Detectives from Scotland Yard investigate a ser ...
'' (1955) and over to RKO for '' Bengazi'' (1955) and Warners for a Korean War movie ''
Target Zero ''Target Zero'' is a 1955 American war and drama film directed by Harmon Jones and written by James Warner Bellah and Sam Rolfe.The film stars Richard Conte, Peggie Castle, Charles Bronson, Richard Wyler, L. Q. Jones and Chuck Connors. The film ...
'' (1955). Conte broke out of B movies with the second lead in '' I'll Cry Tomorrow'' (1955), an MGM biopic about
Lillian Roth Lillian Roth (December 13, 1910 – May 12, 1980) was an American singer and actress. Her life story was told in the 1955 film '' I'll Cry Tomorrow'', in which she was portrayed by Susan Hayward, who was nominated for the Academy Award for Best ...
starring
Susan Hayward Susan Hayward (born Edythe Marrenner; June 30, 1917 – March 14, 1975) was an American film actress, best known for her film portrayals of women that were based on true stories. After working as a fashion model for the Walter Thornton Model A ...
. Conte and director
Daniel Mann Daniel Chugerman (August 8, 1912 – November 21, 1991), known professionally as Daniel Mann, was an American stage, film and television director. Originally trained as an actor by Sanford Meisner, between 1952 and 1987 he directed over 31 feat ...
announced they would make ''Play by Play'' together but it was not made.


Columbia

Conte made a series of films for Columbia. He was co-starred with Judy Holliday in ''
Full of Life ''Full of Life'' is a 1956 American comedy-drama film directed by Richard Quine and starring Judy Holliday and Richard Conte. It was nominated for an award by the Writers Guild of America in 1957. Plot Writer Nick and his wife Emily are expecti ...
'' (1956); played the lead in '' The Brothers Rico'' (1957); supported
Anthony Perkins Anthony Perkins (April 4, 1932 – September 12, 1992) was an American actor, director, and singer. Perkins is best remembered for his role as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's suspense thriller '' Psycho'', which made him an influentia ...
and
Silvana Mangano Silvana Mangano (; 21 April 1930 – 16 December 1989) was an Italian film actress. She was one of a generation of thespians who arose from the neorealist movement, and went on to become a major female star, regarded as a sex symbol for the 19 ...
in ''
This Angry Age ''This Angry Age'' (also known as ''The Sea Wall'', ''Barrage contre le Pacifique'' and ''La diga sul Pacifico'') is a 1957 Italian-American drama film directed by René Clément, produced by Dino De Laurentiis, and starring Anthony Perkins and ...
'' (1957); was one of several names in '' They Came to Cordura'' (1959).


Television

He continued to guest on TV shows like '' The 20th Century-Fox Hour'' and ''
The Twilight Zone ''The Twilight Zone'' is an American media franchise based on the anthology television series created by Rod Serling. The episodes are in various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, absurdism, dystopian fiction, suspense, horror, sup ...
'' (" Perchance to Dream") and played the lead in a TV adaptation of '' The Gambler, the Nun and the Radio'' (1960). He had his first regular TV role in '' The Four Just Men'' (1959–60). Conte supported
Frank Sinatra Francis Albert Sinatra (; December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer and actor. Nicknamed the " Chairman of the Board" and later called "Ol' Blue Eyes", Sinatra was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s, 1950s, and ...
in ''
Ocean's 11 ''Ocean's 11'' is a 1960 American heist film directed and produced by Lewis Milestone from a screenplay by Harry Brown and Charles Lederer, based on a story by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell. The film stars five of the Rat Pack ...
'' (1961) but then focused on TV: ''
Alfred Hitchcock Presents ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, aired on CBS and NBC between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers and mysteries. Between 1962 and 1965 it was r ...
'', ''
Bus Stop A bus stop is a place where buses stop for passengers to get on and off the bus. The construction of bus stops tends to reflect the level of usage, where stops at busy locations may have shelters, seating, and possibly electronic passenger ...
'', '' Naked City'', ''
Checkmate Checkmate (often shortened to mate) is any game position in chess and other chess-like games in which a player's king is in check (threatened with ) and there is no possible escape. Checkmating the opponent wins the game. In chess, the king is ...
'', '' Frontier Circus'', '' The DuPont Show of the Week'', ''
The Untouchables Untouchables or The Untouchables may refer to: American history * Untouchables (law enforcement), a 1930s American law enforcement unit led by Eliot Ness * ''The Untouchables'' (book), an autobiography by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley * ''The U ...
'', ''
Alcoa Premiere ''Alcoa Premiere'' (also known as ''Premiere, Presented by Fred Astaire'') is an American anthology drama series that aired from October 1961 to July 1963 on ABC. The series was hosted by Fred Astaire, who also starred in several of the episodes ...
'', '' Going My Way'', ''
Kraft Mystery Theater ''Kraft Television Theatre'' is an American anthology drama television series running from 1947 to 1958. It began May 7, 1947 on NBC, airing at 7:30pm on Wednesday evenings until December of that year. It first promoted MacLaren's Imperial Cheese ...
'', ''
77 Sunset Strip ''77 Sunset Strip'' is an American television private detective drama series created by Roy Huggins and starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Roger Smith, Richard Long (from 1960 to 1961) and Edd Byrnes (billed as Edward Byrnes). Each episode was o ...
'', '' The Reporter'', '' Kraft Suspense Theatre'' and ''
Arrest and Trial ''Arrest and Trial'' is a 90-minute American crime/legal drama series that ran during the 1963-1964 season on ABC, airing Sundays from 8:30-10 pm Eastern. Overview The majority of episodes consists of two segments. Set in Los Angeles, the fi ...
''. He had a support role in '' Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?'' (1963), '' Circus World'' (1964) and ''
The Greatest Story Ever Told ''The Greatest Story Ever Told'' is a 1965 American epic film produced and directed by George Stevens. It is a retelling of the Biblical account about Jesus of Nazareth, from the Nativity through to the Ascension. Along with the ensemble cast ...
'' (1965) (playing Barabbas) and the lead in ''
The Eyes of Annie Jones ''The Eyes of Annie Jones'' is a 1964 American-British drama film directed by Reginald Le Borg and starring Richard Conte, Francesca Annis and Joyce Carey. The film tells the story of a sleepwalking young woman involved with a murder. Plot ...
'' (1964) for
Robert L. Lippert Robert Lenard Lippert (March 31, 1909 – November 16, 1976) was an American film producer and cinema chain owner. He was president and chief operating officer of Lippert Theatres, Affiliated Theatres and Transcontinental Theatres, all based in ...
. After ''
Synanon Synanon is a US-founded social organization created by Charles E. "Chuck" Dederich Sr. in 1958 in Santa Monica, California, United States. It is currently active in Germany. Originally established as a drug rehabilitation program, by the early ...
'' (1965) he had the lead in '' Stay Tuned for Terror'' (1965), shot in Argentina. Conte supported Frank Sinatra in '' Assault on a Queen'' (1966) and was one of several stars in ''
Hotel A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. Facilities provided inside a hotel room may range from a modest-quality mattress in a small room to large suites with bigger, higher-quality beds, a dresser, a re ...
'' (1967). In 1966, Conte landed a supporting role in the short-lived CBS sitcom, ''
The Jean Arthur Show ''The Jean Arthur Show'' is an American situation comedy that aired on CBS from September 12 to December 5, 1966. The series was sponsored by General Foods. Cast *Jean Arthur as Patricia, a lawyer who works alongside her son Paul * Ron Harper a ...
''. He appeared as Lieutenant Dave Santini in two
Frank Sinatra Francis Albert Sinatra (; December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer and actor. Nicknamed the " Chairman of the Board" and later called "Ol' Blue Eyes", Sinatra was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s, 1950s, and ...
crime films, ''
Tony Rome ''Tony Rome'' is a 1967 American neo-noir mystery crime thriller film directed by Gordon Douglas and starring Frank Sinatra in the title role, alongside Jill St. John, Sue Lyon and Gena Rowlands. It was adapted from Marvin H. Albert's novel ' ...
'' (1967) and ''
Lady in Cement ''Lady in Cement'' is a 1968 American neo-noir mystery crime comedy thriller film directed by Gordon Douglas, based on the 1961 novel ''The Lady in Cement'' by Marvin H. Albert. The film stars Frank Sinatra, Raquel Welch, Dan Blocker, Richa ...
'' (1968). In between he did a Western in Europe, '' Sentenza di morte'' (1968). In 1968 he released his only film as a director, ''Operation Cross Eagles'', in which he also starred. Conte's later performances include '' The Bold Ones: The Lawyers'', ''The Challengers'' (1970), and '' The Name of the Game'' (1970).


''The Godfather''

Conte had one of his most memorable performances in ''
The Godfather ''The Godfather'' is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo's best-selling 1969 novel of the same title. The film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caa ...
'' (1972) as Don Barzini. He was at one time also considered for the title role, Don
Vito Corleone Vito Corleone (born Vito Andolini) is a fictional character in Mario Puzo's 1969 novel ''The Godfather'' and in the first two of Francis Ford Coppola's film trilogy. Vito is originally portrayed by Marlon Brando in the 1972 film ''The Godfathe ...
, a role that
Marlon Brando Marlon Brando Jr. (April 3, 1924 – July 1, 2004) was an American actor. Considered one of the most influential actors of the 20th century, he received numerous accolades throughout his career, which spanned six decades, including two Academ ...
eventually filled. The success of the film led to Conte being cast in a series of "mob" roles: '' Murder Inferno'' (1973), ''
The Big Family ''The Big Family'' ( it, L'onorata famiglia - Uccidere è cosa nostra) is a 1973 Italian mafia film written and directed by Tonino Ricci and starring Raymond Pellegrin, Simonetta Stefanelli and Richard Conte. Plot Cast *Raymond Pellegrin as D ...
'' (1973), '' Pete, Pearl & the Pole'' (1973), ''
My Brother Anastasia ''My Brother Anastasia'' (Italian: ''Anastasia mio fratello'') is a 1973 Italian drama crime film directed by Steno. Cast * Alberto Sordi as Don Salvatore Anastasia * Richard Conte as Albert Anastasia * Luciano Pigozzi as Pasquale * Edoar ...
'' (1973), ''
The Violent Professionals ''The Violent Professionals'' (Italian: ''Milano trema: la polizia vuole giustizia'') is a 1973 Italian Poliziotteschi gangster film directed by Sergio Martino. The film stars Luc Merenda (Giorgio Caneparo) who goes undercover as a getaway drive ...
'' (1973), '' No Way Out'' (1973) with
Alain Delon Alain Fabien Maurice Marcel Delon (; born 8 November 1935) is a French actor and filmmaker. He was one of Europe's most prominent actors and screen sex symbols in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. In 1985, he won the César Award for Best Actor for h ...
, ''
Anna, quel particolare piacere ''Anna, quel particolare piacere'' (internationally released as ''Anna: the Pleasure, the Torment'' and ''Secrets of a Call Girl'') is a 1972 Italian crime-drama film directed by Giuliano Carnimeo. It was referred as a film with a good cinematograp ...
'' (1973), ''
Shoot First, Die Later ''Shoot First, Die Later'' ( it, Il poliziotto è marcio) is a 1974 Italian poliziottesco-noir film directed by Fernando Di Leo. Di Leo reprises some elements of the novel ''Rogue Cop'' by William P. McGivern. Luc Merenda later starred in two ...
'' (1974) and ''
Violent Rome ''Violent Rome'' ( it, Roma violenta) is an Italian 1975 ''poliziottesco'' film directed by Marino Girolami It obtained a great commercial success and launched the career of Maurizio Merli. The film has two sequels, '' Violent Naples'' and '' A Spe ...
'' (1975). He did horror films, ''Evil Eye'' (1975), ''A Diary of a Murderess'' (1975) and ''Naked Exorcism'' (1975).


Family

Conte was married to actress Ruth Storey, with whom he adopted a son, film editor Mark Conte. In 1950, Conte and Storey were living at 1366 San Ysidro Drive in Beverly Hills. They divorced in 1963. He married his second wife, Shirlee Garner, in 1973; they remained married until Conte's death. His grandson is
National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the majo ...
free safety Safety is a position in gridiron football on the defense. The safeties are defensive backs who line up ten to fifteen yards from the line of scrimmage. There are two variations of the position: the free safety and the strong safety. Their du ...
Chris Conte Christopher Michael Conte (born February 23, 1989) is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at California. Early life Conte attended Loy ...
. Chris is the son of Mark Conte.


Death

On April 3, 1975, Conte suffered a massive heart attack and a stroke. He was taken to UCLA Medical Center where the staff worked for eight hours to keep him alive. He was put in intensive care and died on April 15. He is buried in the
Westwood Memorial Park Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary is a cemetery and mortuary located in the Westwood Village area of Los Angeles. It is located at 1218 Glendon Avenue in Westwood, with an entrance from Glendon Avenue. The cemetery was ...
in Los Angeles.


Awards


Selected filmography

* '' Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence'' (1939) as Tony * '' Guadalcanal Diary'' (1943) as Capt. Davis * ''
The Purple Heart ''The Purple Heart'' is a 1944 American black-and-white war film, produced by Darryl F. Zanuck, directed by Lewis Milestone, and starring Dana Andrews, Richard Conte, Don "Red" Barry, Sam Levene and Trudy Marshall. Eighteen-year-old Farley ...
'' (1944) as Lt. Angelo Canelli * '' Captain Eddie'' (1945) as Pvt. John Bartek * '' A Bell for Adano'' (1945) as Nicolo (Italian POW) * ''
The Spider The Spider is an American pulp-magazine hero of the 1930s and 1940s. The character was created by editor Harry Steeger and written by a variety of authors for 118 monthly issues of '' The Spider'' from 1933 to 1943. A 119th Spider novel manuscr ...
'' (1945) as Chris Conlon * '' A Walk in the Sun'' (1945) as Pvt. Rivera * ''
13 Rue Madeleine ''13 Rue Madeleine'' is a 1947 American World War II spy film directed by Henry Hathaway and starring James Cagney, Annabella, Richard Conte and Frank Latimore. Allied volunteers are trained as spies in the leadup to the invasion of Europe, ...
'' (1946) as Bill O'Connell * '' Somewhere in the Night'' (1946) as Mel Phillips * ''
The Other Love ''The Other Love'' is a 1947 American film noir drama romance film directed by Andre DeToth and starring Barbara Stanwyck, David Niven, and Richard Conte. Written by Ladislas Fodor and Harry Brown based on the story "Beyond" by Erich Maria Remar ...
'' (1947) as Paul Clermont * ''
Call Northside 777 ''Call Northside 777'' is a 1948 reality-based newspaper drama directed by Henry Hathaway. The film parallels the true story of a Chicago reporter who proved that a man jailed for murder was wrongly convicted 11 years before. James Stewart stars ...
'' (1948) as Frank W. Wiecek * ''
Cry of the City ''Cry of the City'' is a 1948 American film noir starring Victor Mature, Richard Conte, and Shelley Winters. Directed by Robert Siodmak, it is based on the novel by Henry Edward Helseth, ''The Chair for Martin Rome''. The screenwriter Ben Hecht ...
'' (1948) as Martin Rome * '' Big Jack'' (1949) as Dr. Alexander Meade * '' House of Strangers'' (1949) as Max Monetti * ''
Thieves' Highway ''Thieves' Highway'' is a 1949 film noir directed by Jules Dassin. The screenplay was written by A. I. Bezzerides, based on his novel ''Thieves' Market''. The film was released on DVD as part of the Criterion Collection in 2005. Plot A war-v ...
'' (1949) as Nick Garcos * ''
Whirlpool A whirlpool is a body of rotating water produced by opposing currents or a current running into an obstacle. Small whirlpools form when a bath or a sink is draining. More powerful ones formed in seas or oceans may be called maelstroms ( ). ''Vo ...
'' (1950) as Dr. William 'Bill' Sutton * ''
The Sleeping City ''The Sleeping City'' is a 1950 American film noir crime film in semidocumentary style that was set in and filmed at New York's Bellevue Hospital. Directed by George Sherman, it stars Richard Conte and Coleen Gray. The film is notable for its ph ...
'' (1950) as Fred Rowan, aka Fred Gilbert * ''
Hollywood Story ''Hollywood Story'' is a 1951 American mystery film directed by William Castle and starring Richard Conte and Julie Adams. The supporting cast features Richard Egan (actor), Richard Egan, Henry Hull, Fred Clark and Jim Backus. The film was an at ...
'' (1951) as Larry O'Brien * ''
The Raging Tide ''The Raging Tide'' is a 1951 American film noir and crime film directed by George Sherman and starring Shelley Winters, Richard Conte, Stephen McNally, Charles Bickford and Alex Nicol. The screenplay was by Ernest K. Gann based on his 1950 nov ...
'' (1951) as Bruno Felkin * ''
The Fighter ''The Fighter'' is a 2010 American biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell, and stars Mark Wahlberg (who also produced), Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo. The film centers on the lives of professional boxer M ...
'' (1952) as Felipe Rivera * ''
Riders of Vengeance ''Riders of Vengeance'' is a 1919 American Western film directed by John Ford and featuring Harry Carey. The film is considered to be lost. Plot Harry's bride is murdered at their wedding along with Harry's mother and father, and the good-hear ...
'' (1952) as Jan Morrell * '' The Blue Gardenia'' (1953) as Casey Mayo * ''
Desert Legion ''Desert Legion'' is a 1953 American adventure film directed by Joseph Pevney and starring Alan Ladd. Plot Ladd stars as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion who stumbles across a lost city in the desert mountains of Algeria in North Africa. C ...
'' (1953) as Crito Damou / Omar Ben Khalif * ''
Slaves of Babylon ''Slaves of Babylon'' is a 1953 American adventure film directed by William Castle and starring Richard Conte and Linda Christian William Castle called it a "low budget extravaganza". Plot In 586 BC the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the ar ...
'' (1953) as Nahum * ''
Highway Dragnet ''Highway Dragnet'' is a 1954 American film noir B film crime film directed by Nathan Juran from a story by U.S. Andersen and Roger Corman. The film stars Richard Conte, Joan Bennett and Wanda Hendrix. It was the first feature film on which Rog ...
'' (1954) as Jim Henry * ''
Mask of Dust ''Mask of Dust'' (later named 'Race for Life' ) is a 1954 British motor racing drama film directed by Terence Fisher and starring Richard Conte, Mari Aldon and Peter Illing. The film was based on the 1953 novel ''The Last Race'' by Jon Manchi ...
'' (1954) as Peter Wells * ''
The Big Combo ''The Big Combo'' is a 1955 American film noir crime film directed by Joseph H. Lewis, written by Philip Yordan and photographed by cinematographer John Alton, with music by David Raksin. The film stars Cornel Wilde, Richard Conte and Bri ...
'' (1955) as Mr. Brown * '' New York Confidential'' (1955) as Nick Magellan * ''
The Big Tip Off ''The Big Tip Off'' is a 1955 American crime drama film directed by Frank McDonald and starring Richard Conte. Summary Richard Conte plays two-bit newspaper columnist Johnny Denton, who gains notoriety by printing tips on upcoming gangland act ...
'' (1955) as Johnny Denton * ''
Little Red Monkey ''Little Red Monkey'', released in the United States as ''Case of the Red Monkey'', is a 1955 British crime film directed by Ken Hughes and starring Richard Conte, Rona Anderson and Russell Napier. Detectives from Scotland Yard investigate a ser ...
'' (1955) as Bill Locklin * '' Bengazi'' (1955) as John Gillmore * ''
Target Zero ''Target Zero'' is a 1955 American war and drama film directed by Harmon Jones and written by James Warner Bellah and Sam Rolfe.The film stars Richard Conte, Peggie Castle, Charles Bronson, Richard Wyler, L. Q. Jones and Chuck Connors. The film ...
'' (1955) as Lt. Tom Flagler * '' I'll Cry Tomorrow'' (1955) as Tony Bardeman * ''
Full of Life ''Full of Life'' is a 1956 American comedy-drama film directed by Richard Quine and starring Judy Holliday and Richard Conte. It was nominated for an award by the Writers Guild of America in 1957. Plot Writer Nick and his wife Emily are expecti ...
'' (1956) as Nick Rocco * '' The Brothers Rico'' (1957) as Eddie Rico * ''
This Angry Age ''This Angry Age'' (also known as ''The Sea Wall'', ''Barrage contre le Pacifique'' and ''La diga sul Pacifico'') is a 1957 Italian-American drama film directed by René Clément, produced by Dino De Laurentiis, and starring Anthony Perkins and ...
'' (The Sea Wall) (1957) as Michael * ''
The Untouchables Untouchables or The Untouchables may refer to: American history * Untouchables (law enforcement), a 1930s American law enforcement unit led by Eliot Ness * ''The Untouchables'' (book), an autobiography by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley * ''The U ...
'' (1959-Season 2 Episode15) as Ira Bauer / Arnie Seeger * '' They Came to Cordura'' (1959) as Cpl. Milo Trubee * ''
The Twilight Zone ''The Twilight Zone'' is an American media franchise based on the anthology television series created by Rod Serling. The episodes are in various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, absurdism, dystopian fiction, suspense, horror, sup ...
'' (1959) as Edward Hall * ''
Ocean's 11 ''Ocean's 11'' is a 1960 American heist film directed and produced by Lewis Milestone from a screenplay by Harry Brown and Charles Lederer, based on a story by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell. The film stars five of the Rat Pack ...
'' (1960) as Anthony Bergdorf * ''
Pepe Pepe is a pet form of the Spanish name José (Josep). It is also a surname. * People Mononyms * Pepe (footballer, born 1935), real name José Macia, Brazilian footballer *Pepe (footballer, born 1983), real name Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira ...
'' (1960) as Richard Conte * '' Naked City'' (1962 Season 3 Episode 17) as Phil Clifford * '' Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?'' (1963) as Leonard Ashley * ''
The Eyes of Annie Jones ''The Eyes of Annie Jones'' is a 1964 American-British drama film directed by Reginald Le Borg and starring Richard Conte, Francesca Annis and Joyce Carey. The film tells the story of a sleepwalking young woman involved with a murder. Plot ...
'' (1964) as David Wheeler * '' Circus World'' (1964) as Aldo Alfredo * ''
Arrest and Trial ''Arrest and Trial'' is a 90-minute American crime/legal drama series that ran during the 1963-1964 season on ABC, airing Sundays from 8:30-10 pm Eastern. Overview The majority of episodes consists of two segments. Set in Los Angeles, the fi ...
(1964 Season 1 Episode 26) as Paul Dunnell * ''
The Greatest Story Ever Told ''The Greatest Story Ever Told'' is a 1965 American epic film produced and directed by George Stevens. It is a retelling of the Biblical account about Jesus of Nazareth, from the Nativity through to the Ascension. Along with the ensemble cast ...
'' (1965) as Barabbas * ''
Synanon Synanon is a US-founded social organization created by Charles E. "Chuck" Dederich Sr. in 1958 in Santa Monica, California, United States. It is currently active in Germany. Originally established as a drug rehabilitation program, by the early ...
'' (1965) as Reid Kimble * '' Extraña invasión'' (''Stay Tuned for Terror'') (1965) * '' Assault on a Queen'' (1966) as Tony Moreno * ''
Hotel A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. Facilities provided inside a hotel room may range from a modest-quality mattress in a small room to large suites with bigger, higher-quality beds, a dresser, a re ...
'' (1967) as Detective Dupere * ''
Tony Rome ''Tony Rome'' is a 1967 American neo-noir mystery crime thriller film directed by Gordon Douglas and starring Frank Sinatra in the title role, alongside Jill St. John, Sue Lyon and Gena Rowlands. It was adapted from Marvin H. Albert's novel ' ...
'' (1967) as Lt. Dave Santini * ''
Death Sentence Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is the state-sanctioned practice of deliberately killing a person as a punishment for an actual or supposed crime, usually following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that ...
'' (1968) as Diaz * ''
Operation Cross Eagles Operation Cross Eagles or American Cross Eagles is an action thriller set during the Second World War. The mid-budget film was made in 1968 and was directed by Richard Conte (his only time as a Director) who stars in the film alongside Rory Calhoun ...
'' (1968) as Lt. Bradford (also directed) * ''
Lady in Cement ''Lady in Cement'' is a 1968 American neo-noir mystery crime comedy thriller film directed by Gordon Douglas, based on the 1961 novel ''The Lady in Cement'' by Marvin H. Albert. The film stars Frank Sinatra, Raquel Welch, Dan Blocker, Richa ...
'' (1968) as Lt. Dave Santini * ''Explosion'' (1969) as Dr. Philip Neal * ''The Challengers'' (TV 1970) as Ritchie * ''
The Godfather ''The Godfather'' is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo's best-selling 1969 novel of the same title. The film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caa ...
'' (1972) as Don Emilio Barzini * ''
Il Boss ''Il Boss'' (En. ''The Boss'', also known as ''Murder Inferno'') is a poliziottesco- noir film written and directed by Fernando Di Leo in 1973. It is the final part of Di Leo's ''Milieu Trilogy'', also consisting of ''Milano calibro 9'' and '' La ...
'' (''Murder Inferno'') (1973) as Don Corrasco * ''
The Big Family ''The Big Family'' ( it, L'onorata famiglia - Uccidere è cosa nostra) is a 1973 Italian mafia film written and directed by Tonino Ricci and starring Raymond Pellegrin, Simonetta Stefanelli and Richard Conte. Plot Cast *Raymond Pellegrin as D ...
'' (1973) as Don Antonio Marchesi * ''
My Brother Anastasia ''My Brother Anastasia'' (Italian: ''Anastasia mio fratello'') is a 1973 Italian drama crime film directed by Steno. Cast * Alberto Sordi as Don Salvatore Anastasia * Richard Conte as Albert Anastasia * Luciano Pigozzi as Pasquale * Edoar ...
'' (1973) as Alberto 'Big Al' Anastasia * ''
The Violent Professionals ''The Violent Professionals'' (Italian: ''Milano trema: la polizia vuole giustizia'') is a 1973 Italian Poliziotteschi gangster film directed by Sergio Martino. The film stars Luc Merenda (Giorgio Caneparo) who goes undercover as a getaway drive ...
'' (1973) as Padulo * '' Pete, Pearl & the Pole'' (1973) as Bruno * '' Tony Arzenta'' (''Big Guns'') (1973) as Nick Gusto * ''
Anna, quel particolare piacere ''Anna, quel particolare piacere'' (internationally released as ''Anna: the Pleasure, the Torment'' and ''Secrets of a Call Girl'') is a 1972 Italian crime-drama film directed by Giuliano Carnimeo. It was referred as a film with a good cinematograp ...
'' (1973) as Riccardo Sogliani * ''
Shoot First, Die Later ''Shoot First, Die Later'' ( it, Il poliziotto è marcio) is a 1974 Italian poliziottesco-noir film directed by Fernando Di Leo. Di Leo reprises some elements of the novel ''Rogue Cop'' by William P. McGivern. Luc Merenda later starred in two ...
'' (1974) as Mazzanti * ''Evil Eye'' (1975) as Dr. Stone * ''La encadenada'' (''A Diary of a Murderess'') (1975) as Alexander * ''
Violent Rome ''Violent Rome'' ( it, Roma violenta) is an Italian 1975 ''poliziottesco'' film directed by Marino Girolami It obtained a great commercial success and launched the career of Maurizio Merli. The film has two sequels, '' Violent Naples'' and '' A Spe ...
'' (1975) as Lawyer Sartori * ''Un urlo dalle tenebre'' (''Naked Exorcism'')Paul, Louis (2010). "Italian Horror Film Directors". McFarland & Co., Inc. . Page 339. (1975) as Exorcist * ''The Godfather Saga'' (1977) as Don Emilio Barzini


Radio appearances


References


External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Conte, Richard 1910 births 1975 deaths 20th-century American male actors 20th Century Studios contract players American male film actors American male stage actors American male television actors American people of Italian descent Burials at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery William L. Dickinson High School alumni Male actors from Jersey City, New Jersey Male actors from Los Angeles California Republicans New Jersey Republicans American Roman Catholics United States Army personnel of World War II