“A legend in every respect”

Foronjy began acting after serving more than eight years in prison for armed robbery and took on dozens of roles in Hollywood over three decades

Richard Foronjy, the character actor best known for his roles in the 1973s Serpico and 1988 Midnight runamong dozens of other films, has died. He was 86.

Foronjy’s family announced in a statement shared on Facebook on Tuesday, May 21, that the actor died on Sunday, May 19; Although the cause of death was not immediately announced, the statement said Foronjy “passed away peacefully.”

“Richard was a legend in every way. He 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 strength and enthusiasm,” his family wrote in a statement. “Richard’s outgoing personality and infectious joy lit up every room he entered and left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path. Richard Foronjy’s legacy of living life to the fullest will continue to inspire generations to come.”

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Foronjy was born Richard Edward Salerno on August 3, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York The Hollywood Reporter. Before Foronjy started acting, he worked as a butcher and was arrested more than 20 times; He spent more than eight years in prison after being convicted of armed robbery in his 20s, he told UPI in a 1987 interview.

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“My first bank robbery netted me $170,000, much more than Willy Sutton ever got. I spent the money lavishly and went to Europe,” he said at the time. “At some point it all caught up with me. I robbed a lawyer at gunpoint and the police caught me driving away.”

After leaving prison at age 32, Foronjy went back to work as a butcher and eventually took acting lessons, UPI reports. He only started his acting career in the 1973s Serpico, starring Al Pacino and directed by Sidney Lumet. Foronjy’s IMDb profile credits him with roles in a total of 79 television shows and films over the next three decades, including 1984 Repo man, Midnight run and 1993s Carlito’s way.

Following his film career, Foronjy published a memoir about his life and career titled From the mob to the cinema in 2020 under his birth name.

“His journey as a father has been one of challenges and complexity,” Foronjy’s family wrote in their May 21 statement. “Richard’s life reminds us that we are all imperfect beings striving to navigate the complicated depths of relationships and strive for some parenthood.”

The actor’s family added that the actor is survived by his partner Wendy, his children Charles, Susan, Christine and Richard, as well as 17 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and his three brothers.

“Although his physical presence may be gone, Richard Foronjy’s spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched and in the timeless performances that will continue to inspire generations to come,” the statement said.

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