Person Biography:
Richard Portnow is a veteran actor with a diverse range of characters to his credit. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he is a Brooklyn College graduate with a BA degree in speech and theater. Despite being discouraged from pursuing an acting career in college, he went on to work steadily for 30 years, building a solid list of credits in film, television, and stage.
Portnow has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed shows and films, including the Emmy-winning HBO series "The Sopranos," where he played the role of attorney Hal "Mel" Melvoin. He has also worked extensively in regional theaters, including the Long Wharf Theater, the Berkshire Theatre Festival, and the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
In addition to his stage and screen work, Portnow has had a variety of unusual jobs, including bartender, antique dealer, boxer, international drug trafficker, fifth-grade teacher, competitive body builder, truck driver, bouncer, bagel maker, short-order cook, marathon runner, designer, competitive gymnast, background extra, disco dancer, and confused and aimless layabout.
Portnow is 6'0" and weighs 180 lbs, and continues to box. He is married to his unpredictable Chow/Shiba Inu named "Sweetie" and a feisty English Cocker Spaniel named "Jackpot."
