Entertainment
Distinguished Oscar Winning Actor Dies at 87
Clear Facts
- Tony Lo Bianco, known for his role in “The French Connection,” has passed away at the age of 87.
- The actor took his last breath at his horse farm in Maryland while battling prostate cancer. His wife, Alyse, was by his side.
- Lo Bianco had an expansive career in theater, film and television, with 102 films to his credit. He was also a dedicated supporter of various charitable organizations.
Tony Lo Bianco, the distinguished actor from the Oscar-winning movie “The French Connection,” has passed away. His passing, confirmed by representatives, has left the film industry and fans mourning. Lo Bianco, 87, bravely battled prostate cancer until his last moment at his Maryland horse farm.
“His beloved wife, Alyse, was by his side,” his representative shared, adding to the solemnity of his passing.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, in 1936, Lo Bianco’s journey from a Golden Gloves boxer to a highly respected actor is truly inspiring. His acting talent shined on stage, in films, and television. His memorable portrayal of mobster Sal Boca in William Friedkin’s “The French Connection” is still highly recognized. The film, which also featured Gene Hackman and Roy Schieder, was released in 1971, winning five Academy Awards thereafter.
In addition to his well-known roles, Lo Bianco also stood out as a “lonely hearts killer” Raymond Fernandez in the 1970 crime film “The Honeymoon Killers.” His versatile acting skills allowed him to share the screen with Richard Gere in “Bloodbrothers” and Clint Eastwood in “City Heat.”
Adding to his impressive filmography, Lo Bianco took on roles in 102 films during his career. His final performance was in the 2022 comedy directed by Ray Romano, titled “Somewhere in Queens.”
Lo Bianco’s expertise was not confined to film. He was also successful on stage, receiving a Tony Award nomination in 1983 for his portrayal of Eddie Carbone in the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge.” His performance in an off-Broadway production of “Yanks-3, Detroit-0, Top of the 7th” in 1975 won him an Obie Award.
His television credits included “Police Story,” “Jesus of Nazareth,” “Marco Polo,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Law and Order.”
Beyond his acting career, Lo Bianco was deeply involved in philanthropic efforts. He was associated with many charitable organizations such as the United Service Organizations (USO), Building Homes for Heroes, The Wounded Warrior Project, the National Italian American Foundation, and Sons of Italy in America, among others.
His deep respect and support for U.S. veterans led him to produce and narrate a tribute video called “Just a Common Soldier.” This tribute video amassed over 22 million views and won two Emmys, further testament to Lo Bianco’s multifaceted talent.
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