Tony Giorgio was born in Herkimer NY on September 27 1923 He grew up in Schenectady NY during The Great Depression and began his career in show business as a professional amateur performing magic in talent shows for pay At the age of twelve he ran away from home to join a circus and performed magic in the side show His first appearance in films was as a card dealer in Big Hand for the Little Lady He subsequently appeared in over 100 movies and TV shows won an Emmy for Ziggys Gift and appeared on stage as Big Julie in Guys and Dolls starring Milton Berle His most iconic film appearances were as Bruno Tattaglia in The Godfather Frank Palancio in Magnum Force and Don Scagnelli in American Me