Joseph Campanella, a gaunt and wavy-haired Sicilian-American character actor, had a prolific career spanning decades, with a presence in nearly every second TV series and telemovie of the 1960s and 1970s. As a tireless veteran of stage and screen, he remained in high demand well into his eighties.
Born into a family of musicians, Campanella's initial foray into show business began as a teenage sports announcer for a small Pennsylvania radio station. He then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where at the tender age of 18, he commanded a landing craft.
After his military service, Campanella pursued higher education, initially studying architecture before earning a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and later studying for a Master's Degree in speech and drama at Columbia University. His stage career began at the Colonial Theatre in Boston in 1954, where he honed his craft before relocating to Hollywood.
Throughout his illustrious career, Campanella amassed numerous guest credits on anthology television, including a recurring role as Lew Wickersham, the suave and scientifically-minded head of the Intertect detective agency, in the popular series Mannix (1967). This role earned him an Emmy Award nomination.
Campanella was often cast in roles that showcased his versatility, playing characters such as priests, police officers, and doctors. He had a knack for portraying characters of a volatile or tortured disposition, making him a sought-after actor for complex and nuanced roles.
In addition to his work on television, Campanella appeared on many daytime soap operas, including a lengthy stint on The Bold and the Beautiful (1987) and the short-lived Dynasty spin-off The Colbys (1985). He also lent his voice to National Geographic specials, providing narration for each episode, as well as doing commercials for BMW and the National Automotive Parts Association.
On Broadway, Campanella has had the privilege of performing in notable productions such as "Captain and the Kings," "Hot Spot," "Born Yesterday," and "The Caine Mutiny."
