Robert Davi
- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Robert Davi is an award-winning actor, screenwriter, director, producer
and jazz vocalist.
From his portrayal of the opera singing baddie in "The Goonies" and one
of the most popular James Bond villains Franz Sanchez in "License to
Kill" to FBI Special Agent Big Johnson in "Die Hard" or Al Torres in
"Showgirls" to most recently Leo Marks in "The Iceman " Robert Davi is
one of the film industry's most recognized tough guys. He has also
starred in the small screen in hit shows like Profiler, Stargate
Atlantis, Criminal Minds and CSI. With over 140 film and TV credits he
has frightened us, romanced us, made us cry or split our seams
laughing. He is also one of the top vocalists of our day in
interpreting the Great American Songbook, thrilling audiences by
playing top venues like the Venetian in Las Vegas where he headlines or
for 10,000 people at the Harry Chapin Theater in East Meadow, Long
Island or the Orleans in Vegas where he gave 3 sellout shows with Don
Rickles. His debut album Davi Sings Sinatra- On the Road to Romance
produced by Phil Ramone shot to number 6 for more than several weeks on
Billboard's Jazz Charts.
In his early acting years, Davi attended Hofstra University on a drama
scholarship. He then moved to Manhattan, New York where he studied with
the legendary acting coach Stella Adler, who became his mentor. Davi
became a lifetime member of the Actors Studio, where he studied with
acting teacher Lee Strasberg. Always perfecting his craft, Davi studied
under Sandra Seacat, Larry Moss, Milton Katselas, Martin Landau, Mala
Powers and George Shdanoff, the creative partner and collaborator with
Michael Chekhov.
Robert Davi was born in Astoria, Queens, to Maria (Rulli) and Sal Davi.
His father was an Italian immigrant and his mother was of Italian
descent. Davi was introduced to film when he was cast opposite Frank
Sinatra in the telefilm, "Contract on Cherry Street." Later, his work
as a Palestinian terrorist in the award-winning television movie,
"Terrorist on Trial: The United States vs. Salim Ajami" brought him
critical acclaim and caught the eye of legendary James Bond producer
Albert R. Broccoli and writer Richard Maibaum, who cast Davi as
Colombian drug lord and lead villain Franz Sanchez in the Bond film
"License to Kill." Today, Davi is one of the top Bond villains of all
time ranking at the top on many lists. Davi also received critical
acclaim within the industry for his provocative portrayal of Bailey
Malone in "Profiler." The show struck a chord with audiences, paving
the way for such shows as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Without a
Trace," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Criminal Minds" and many
others. In 2004, Davi joined the cast of television's "Stargate:
Atlantis," which earned Davi many science fiction fans. He has also
shown his comedic strength in films such as "The 4th Tenor" with Rodney
Dangerfield and "The Hot Chick," produced by Rob Schneider and Adam
Sandler.
Having appeared in more than 100 motion pictures, some of Davi's most
notable film credits span 30 years and include cult-classics and
blockbuster hits with roles as Jake Fratelli in "The Goonies," Max
Keller in "Raw Deal," Special Agent Big Johnson in "Die Hard," Al
Torres in "Showgirls," Leo Marks in "The Iceman" with Michael Shannon,
Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans and James Franco, and most
recently, with Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger among a
large A-list cast in "Expendables 3." He has worked with such directors
as Steven Spielberg, Richard Donner, Blake Edwards, John McTiernan,
Paul Verhoeven and Patrick Hughes. In addition, he has worked on film
projects with acting talent such as Marlon Brando, Roberto Benigni,
Bruce Willis, Clint Eastwood, Christopher Walken, Benicio Del Toro,
Danny Glover and Catherine Zeta Jones, to name a few.
In 2007, Davi produced, directed, co-wrote, and starred in "The Dukes,"
which tells the story of a once-successful Doo Wop group who fall on
hard times. The film won nine awards including the coveted Coup de
Coeur award. Davi was also awarded Best First-time Director and Best
Screenplay in the Monte Carlo Festival of Comedy by the legendary
director Ettore Scola where Prince Albert presented him with the
awards. Davi was the only first-time director in the Premiere Section
of the International Rome Film Festival along with Sean Penn, Robert
Redford, Sidney Lumet, Julie Taymor and others.
In October of 2011, Davi released his debut album, Davi Sings Sinatra:
On the Road to Romance (produced by Grammy award-winning producer Phil
Ramone) to rave reviews. Within weeks of its highly anticipated
release, the album soared onto Billboard Magazine's Top 10 Jazz Chart
taking the number 6 spot for several weeks. In response to the release,
the legendary Quincy Jones stated, "As FS would say, 'Koo, Koo.' Wow! I
have never heard anyone come this close to Sinatra's sound - and still
be himself. Many try, but Robert Davi has the voice, tone, the flavor
and the swagger. What a surprise. He absolutely touched me down to my
soul and brought back the essence and soul of Ol' Blue Eyes himself."
In support of the album release, Davi is touring the U.S. with his live
stage show, receiving standing ovations. He has performed at The
Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas for a three-night engagement,
the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza with a 55-piece orchestra, the
National Italian-American Foundation's (NIAF) special tribute to the
25th anniversary of its Lifetime Achievement Award to Frank Sinatra at
the Washington Hilton in D.C., the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto,
Calif., with David Foster at the Beverly Hilton, and in August of 2013,
at Long Island's Eisenhower Park for more than 10,000 people. In
November of 2013, Davi released the Christmas single, "New York City
Christmas."
Besides working in film, television, and music and raising his five
children, four dogs and two cats, Davi keeps busy volunteering his time
with such charities as The Dream Foundation, Exceptional Children's
Foundation, Heart of a Child Foundation, the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Youth Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States,
Heart of a Horse, NIAF, The Order 'Sons of Italy' in America (OSIA),
and UNICO. Since its inception in 1998, Davi has been the National
Spokesperson for i-Safe America, which is regarded by many internet
experts as the most complete internet safety program in the country and
is available in grades K-12 in all 50 U.S. states.
Among his numerous awards for career achievement and community
involvement, Davi has received the George M. Estabrook Distinguished
Service Award from the Hofstra University Alumni Association (past
recipients include Francis Ford Coppola and William Safire). In 2000,
Davi was awarded the FBI's Man of the Year Award in Los Angeles. In
2004, Davi was named KNX radios' "Citizen of the Week" for saving a
young girl from a fire in her home. The same year, he also received the
Sons of Italy's Royal Court of the Golden Lion Award, including a
$20,000 donation to a foundation in which he is involved. In addition,
he received the 2004 STEP Award (Science, Technology and Education
Partnership). In 2007, Davi was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award
from the Italian Board of Governors in New York, where New York State
recognized his value as an artist and community leader. In 2008, he
received the Italo-Americano Award from the Capri-Hollywood Festival.
In 2011, Davi was awarded the "Military Order of the Purple Heart"
(MOPH) Special Recognition Award for dedication and service honoring
America's service members, veterans, and their families. In June of
2013, Davi was honored with a star on the Italian Walk of Fame in
Toronto, Canada.
Davi is on The Steering Committee for George Washington University's
Homeland Security Policy Institute and is the only entertainer among 28
members, which consists of mainly Senators and former heads of the FBI
and CIA. Davi has developed Civilian Patrol 93, which is at Homeland
Security, where a lesson plan is being written.
and jazz vocalist.
From his portrayal of the opera singing baddie in "The Goonies" and one
of the most popular James Bond villains Franz Sanchez in "License to
Kill" to FBI Special Agent Big Johnson in "Die Hard" or Al Torres in
"Showgirls" to most recently Leo Marks in "The Iceman " Robert Davi is
one of the film industry's most recognized tough guys. He has also
starred in the small screen in hit shows like Profiler, Stargate
Atlantis, Criminal Minds and CSI. With over 140 film and TV credits he
has frightened us, romanced us, made us cry or split our seams
laughing. He is also one of the top vocalists of our day in
interpreting the Great American Songbook, thrilling audiences by
playing top venues like the Venetian in Las Vegas where he headlines or
for 10,000 people at the Harry Chapin Theater in East Meadow, Long
Island or the Orleans in Vegas where he gave 3 sellout shows with Don
Rickles. His debut album Davi Sings Sinatra- On the Road to Romance
produced by Phil Ramone shot to number 6 for more than several weeks on
Billboard's Jazz Charts.
In his early acting years, Davi attended Hofstra University on a drama
scholarship. He then moved to Manhattan, New York where he studied with
the legendary acting coach Stella Adler, who became his mentor. Davi
became a lifetime member of the Actors Studio, where he studied with
acting teacher Lee Strasberg. Always perfecting his craft, Davi studied
under Sandra Seacat, Larry Moss, Milton Katselas, Martin Landau, Mala
Powers and George Shdanoff, the creative partner and collaborator with
Michael Chekhov.
Robert Davi was born in Astoria, Queens, to Maria (Rulli) and Sal Davi.
His father was an Italian immigrant and his mother was of Italian
descent. Davi was introduced to film when he was cast opposite Frank
Sinatra in the telefilm, "Contract on Cherry Street." Later, his work
as a Palestinian terrorist in the award-winning television movie,
"Terrorist on Trial: The United States vs. Salim Ajami" brought him
critical acclaim and caught the eye of legendary James Bond producer
Albert R. Broccoli and writer Richard Maibaum, who cast Davi as
Colombian drug lord and lead villain Franz Sanchez in the Bond film
"License to Kill." Today, Davi is one of the top Bond villains of all
time ranking at the top on many lists. Davi also received critical
acclaim within the industry for his provocative portrayal of Bailey
Malone in "Profiler." The show struck a chord with audiences, paving
the way for such shows as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Without a
Trace," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Criminal Minds" and many
others. In 2004, Davi joined the cast of television's "Stargate:
Atlantis," which earned Davi many science fiction fans. He has also
shown his comedic strength in films such as "The 4th Tenor" with Rodney
Dangerfield and "The Hot Chick," produced by Rob Schneider and Adam
Sandler.
Having appeared in more than 100 motion pictures, some of Davi's most
notable film credits span 30 years and include cult-classics and
blockbuster hits with roles as Jake Fratelli in "The Goonies," Max
Keller in "Raw Deal," Special Agent Big Johnson in "Die Hard," Al
Torres in "Showgirls," Leo Marks in "The Iceman" with Michael Shannon,
Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans and James Franco, and most
recently, with Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger among a
large A-list cast in "Expendables 3." He has worked with such directors
as Steven Spielberg, Richard Donner, Blake Edwards, John McTiernan,
Paul Verhoeven and Patrick Hughes. In addition, he has worked on film
projects with acting talent such as Marlon Brando, Roberto Benigni,
Bruce Willis, Clint Eastwood, Christopher Walken, Benicio Del Toro,
Danny Glover and Catherine Zeta Jones, to name a few.
In 2007, Davi produced, directed, co-wrote, and starred in "The Dukes,"
which tells the story of a once-successful Doo Wop group who fall on
hard times. The film won nine awards including the coveted Coup de
Coeur award. Davi was also awarded Best First-time Director and Best
Screenplay in the Monte Carlo Festival of Comedy by the legendary
director Ettore Scola where Prince Albert presented him with the
awards. Davi was the only first-time director in the Premiere Section
of the International Rome Film Festival along with Sean Penn, Robert
Redford, Sidney Lumet, Julie Taymor and others.
In October of 2011, Davi released his debut album, Davi Sings Sinatra:
On the Road to Romance (produced by Grammy award-winning producer Phil
Ramone) to rave reviews. Within weeks of its highly anticipated
release, the album soared onto Billboard Magazine's Top 10 Jazz Chart
taking the number 6 spot for several weeks. In response to the release,
the legendary Quincy Jones stated, "As FS would say, 'Koo, Koo.' Wow! I
have never heard anyone come this close to Sinatra's sound - and still
be himself. Many try, but Robert Davi has the voice, tone, the flavor
and the swagger. What a surprise. He absolutely touched me down to my
soul and brought back the essence and soul of Ol' Blue Eyes himself."
In support of the album release, Davi is touring the U.S. with his live
stage show, receiving standing ovations. He has performed at The
Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas for a three-night engagement,
the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza with a 55-piece orchestra, the
National Italian-American Foundation's (NIAF) special tribute to the
25th anniversary of its Lifetime Achievement Award to Frank Sinatra at
the Washington Hilton in D.C., the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto,
Calif., with David Foster at the Beverly Hilton, and in August of 2013,
at Long Island's Eisenhower Park for more than 10,000 people. In
November of 2013, Davi released the Christmas single, "New York City
Christmas."
Besides working in film, television, and music and raising his five
children, four dogs and two cats, Davi keeps busy volunteering his time
with such charities as The Dream Foundation, Exceptional Children's
Foundation, Heart of a Child Foundation, the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Youth Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States,
Heart of a Horse, NIAF, The Order 'Sons of Italy' in America (OSIA),
and UNICO. Since its inception in 1998, Davi has been the National
Spokesperson for i-Safe America, which is regarded by many internet
experts as the most complete internet safety program in the country and
is available in grades K-12 in all 50 U.S. states.
Among his numerous awards for career achievement and community
involvement, Davi has received the George M. Estabrook Distinguished
Service Award from the Hofstra University Alumni Association (past
recipients include Francis Ford Coppola and William Safire). In 2000,
Davi was awarded the FBI's Man of the Year Award in Los Angeles. In
2004, Davi was named KNX radios' "Citizen of the Week" for saving a
young girl from a fire in her home. The same year, he also received the
Sons of Italy's Royal Court of the Golden Lion Award, including a
$20,000 donation to a foundation in which he is involved. In addition,
he received the 2004 STEP Award (Science, Technology and Education
Partnership). In 2007, Davi was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award
from the Italian Board of Governors in New York, where New York State
recognized his value as an artist and community leader. In 2008, he
received the Italo-Americano Award from the Capri-Hollywood Festival.
In 2011, Davi was awarded the "Military Order of the Purple Heart"
(MOPH) Special Recognition Award for dedication and service honoring
America's service members, veterans, and their families. In June of
2013, Davi was honored with a star on the Italian Walk of Fame in
Toronto, Canada.
Davi is on The Steering Committee for George Washington University's
Homeland Security Policy Institute and is the only entertainer among 28
members, which consists of mainly Senators and former heads of the FBI
and CIA. Davi has developed Civilian Patrol 93, which is at Homeland
Security, where a lesson plan is being written.