Tony Giorgio's life began on September 27, 1923, in the city of Herkimer, New York, a place that would forever hold a special significance in his journey. Growing up in Schenectady, New York, during the tumultuous era of the Great Depression, Giorgio's early life was marked by the struggles and hardships that came with living through such a challenging time.
Despite these difficulties, Giorgio's passion for show business was ignited, and he began his career as a professional "amateur," performing magic in talent shows for pay. This early start laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of the spotlight, and at the tender age of twelve, Giorgio made the bold decision to run away from home and join a circus, where he would hone his skills as a magician in the side show.
Giorgio's film career would eventually take center stage, with his first appearance on the big screen coming as a card dealer in the 1966 film "Big Hand for the Little Lady." From there, he went on to appear in over 100 movies and TV shows, earning widespread recognition and acclaim for his talents. One of his most notable achievements was winning an Emmy for his work on the television special "Ziggy's Gift."
In addition to his impressive filmography, Giorgio also made a name for himself on the stage, starring as Big Julie in the production of "Guys and Dolls" alongside the legendary Milton Berle. His iconic film appearances include memorable roles as Bruno Tattaglia in "The Godfather," Frank Palancio in "Magnum Force," and Don Scagnelli in "American Me."
