Lenny Montana
From The Godfather Wiki
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| Lenny Montana | |
|---|---|
| Biographical information | |
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March 13, 1926 | |
| Died |
May 12, 1992 |
| First Appearance | |
| Latest appearance | |
| Portrayed | |
Born in Brooklyn (as Leonardo Passofaro), Lenny Montana became known as professional wrestler, who started out in 1953 in New Jersey, notching up a string of accomplishments in the ring before retiring in the early 60's. Lenny then became involved with the Columbo Family as an Arsonist, Bodyguard and Enforcer, and spent time in prison towards the end of the 60's. He was working as a bodyguard for a Columbo Family Boss on the set of The Godfather when he was approached by Al Ruddy to play the part of Luca Brasi, his 6 foot 6 inch height and 320 pound frame deemend perfect for the part.
His role as Luca Brasi in The Godfather: Part One, was his first acting role, and he was supposedly so nervous about appearing opposite Marlon Brando that he kept bungling his lines. Eventually, this was written into the script as an attack of nerves.
He appeared in several more films, including an Italian spoof version of The Godfather, before dying of a heart attack whilst residing in Italy in 1992.
