Richard Foronjy, the character actor known for notable turns in films like Serpico (1973) and Midnight Run (1988), has died.
Foronjy’s family announced that the actor passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19. The statement, shared on Facebook on Tuesday, May 21, did not specify the cause of death. He was 86.
“Richard was a legend in every sense. He has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. With a spirit as vibrant as the sun, he embraced life with unparalleled vigor and enthusiasm,” his family wrote in the Facebook post.
“Richard’s outgoing nature and infectious joy illuminated every room he entered, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. Richard Foronjy’s legacy of living life to the fullest will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Foronjy, born Richard Edward Salerno on August 3, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, initially worked as a butcher before pursuing a professional acting career. Remarkably, he had been arrested over 20 times before his acting debut.
“My first bank job brought me $170,000, a lot more than Willy Sutton ever got. I spent the money lavishly and went to Europe,” he told UPI back in 1987. “Eventually, it all caught up with me. I robbed an attorney at gunpoint and the cops caught me as I was driving away.”
Richard Foronjy Pursues Acting After Serving Time
After being released from prison at the age of 32, Foronjy returned to his work as a butcher before eventually pursuing acting lessons. His acting career didn’t take off until 1973, when he appeared in Serpico, a film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino.
For the following three decades, Foronjy stacked 79 credits total television shows and films, including 1984’s Repo Man, Midnight Run, 1991’s Oscar, and 1993’s Carlito’s Way.
His impressive TV show resume also includes Police Story, Amen, M*A*S*H, Who’s the Boss?, Taxi, Cagney & Lacy and Hunter.
Meanwhile, his memoir, From the Mob to the Movies, was released in 2020.
The actor’s family shared that he is survived by his beloved partner, Wendy; his children, Charles, Susan, Christine, and Richard; 17 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and his three brothers.