Harvey Keitel, a renowned American actor and producer, was born on May 13, 1939, in the bustling metropolis of Brooklyn, New York City, to Miriam (Klein) and Harry Keitel. Throughout his illustrious career, Keitel has garnered numerous accolades, including Oscar and Golden Globe Award nominations, for his captivating performances in films such as Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets (1973) and Taxi Driver (1976),Ridley Scott's The Duellists (1977) and Thelma & Louise (1991),Peter Yates' Mother, Jugs & Speed (1976),Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Pulp Fiction (1994),Jane Campion's The Piano (1993),Abel Ferrara's Bad Lieutenant (1992),Robert Rodriguez's From Dusk Till Dawn (1996),James Mangold's Cop Land (1997),and Paolo Sorrentino's Youth (2015).
Regarded as one of the greatest method actors ever, Keitel's dedication to his craft has earned him widespread recognition. Alongside esteemed actors Al Pacino and Ellen Burstyn, he serves as the current co-president of the Actors Studio.
Prior to his breakout in film, Keitel honed his craft under the guidance of renowned acting instructors Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg at the HB Studio. He subsequently landed roles in several Off-Broadway productions, which led to his discovery by filmmaker Martin Scorsese. Scorsese would go on to become a frequent collaborator, casting Keitel in starring roles in Who's That Knocking at My Door (1967) and Mean Streets (1973). The latter film also marked the breakthrough of Robert De Niro, with whom Keitel would later reunite for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) and Taxi Driver (1976).
