Alfredo Lettieri

Alfredo “Al” Lettieri (February 24, 1928 – October 18, 1975) was an American actor best remembered for his portrayals of menacing, morally complex villains during the 1960s and 1970s. Born in New York City to an Italian-American family, he spoke Italian fluently and grew up surrounded by a vibrant immigrant community. His brother-in-law, Pasquale Eboli, was the sibling of Genovese crime boss Thomas Eboli, a connection that lent authenticity to many of the gangster roles he later played.

Lettieri began acting in television under the name “Anthony Lettier,” appearing in the Perry Mason episode “The Case of the Fugitive Nurse” in 1958 and later in The Hanged Man (1964). Before his film career took off, he worked as a dialogue coach on several productions, including Where Eagles Dare (1968), which allowed him to refine his understanding of performance and language on set.

His breakout role came as Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo, the calculating Sicilian drug trafficker in The Godfather (1972). The part brought him international recognition and cemented his reputation for embodying cool, dangerous intensity. Al Pacino later recalled that Lettieri introduced him to real-life figures from New York’s underworld to help him prepare for the role of Michael Corleone. Lettieri had previously worked with Marlon Brando in The Night of the Following Day (1969), and his rugged presence continued to make him a sought-after actor for hard-edged parts.

In addition to acting, Lettieri wrote the screenplay adaptation for the crime film Villain (1971), starring Richard Burton and Ian McShane. His filmography includes memorable performances as the ruthless Rudy Butler in The Getaway (1972), the sadistic Frank Renda in Mr. Majestyk (1974), and appearances in The Don Is Dead (1973), McQ (1974), and Piedone a Hong Kong (1975).

Despite a relatively brief career, Lettieri’s on-screen power left a lasting mark on American cinema. He died suddenly of a heart attack in New York City on October 18, 1975, at the age of 47. His legacy endures through his vivid portrayals of villains who were as human as they were fearsome.