Job Actor
Years active 1926-1963
Known for Swarthy, greasy, smiling, untrustworthy types
Top Roles El Sordo, Buldeo, Maestro Marcatello, Alberto, Det. Maurice Obregon
Top GenresDrama, Crime, Romance, Film Adaptation, Western, Adventure
Top TopicsBook-Based, World War II, Slapstick
Top Collaborators , , (Director), (Director)
Shares birthday with Louis Armstrong, William Keighley, Anita Page  see more..

Joseph Calleia Overview:

Character actor, Joseph Calleia, was born Joseph Spurin-Calleia on Aug 4, 1897 in St. Julians, Malta. Calleia died at the age of 78 on Oct 31, 1975 in Valletta, Malta .

MINI BIO:

Dark-haired and mustachioed, Joseph Calleia, was a somewhat shifty-eyed Hollywood actor who forsook an operatic career to play dozens of swarthy, greasy, smiling and almost always untrustworthy types in gangster films and westerns. His sharp voice was often to be heard in films over a tuxedo, running nightclubs or saloons.

(Source: available at Amazon Quinlan's Illustrated Dictionary of Film Character Actors).

HONORS and AWARDS:

.

BlogHub Articles:

For Your Consideration:

By Caftan Woman on Aug 10, 2009 From Caftan Woman

A bust of Malta's favourite son in front of his birthplace.Project intiated in 2005 by 17 year old fan Eman Bonnici.August 4, 1897 - October 31, 1975Caftan Woman's dilemma: in my series "For Your Consideration" I want to spotlight one special performance of the wonderful character act... Read full article


See all articles

Joseph Calleia Quotes:

Val Bartelli: If she cut off her head, she'd be very pretty.


Nick Varna: You talk too much with your mouth, Jeff.


Vasquez: Hanging is such an unpleasant death. Besides, a hanged man always dies alone. I much prefer dying in the company of decent citizens like you... always provided I'm the last to die.


read more quotes from Joseph Calleia...



Share this page:
Visit the Classic Movie Hub Blog CMH
Also a Leo






See All Leos >>
Joseph Calleia Facts
During his retirement time in Malta he received a telegram from Francis Ford Coppola who offered him the part of Don Vito Corleone in "The Godfather". As much as Coppola wanted Calleia for the part he was unable to convince him to accept. Calleia refused due to health reasons.

Orson Welles was extremely impressed by a stage performance of Calleia's in the mid-1930s and vowed to work with him. They finally worked together over 20 years later in Touch of Evil (1958).

See All Related Facts >>