Actor of Endless Characters

  

Vito Scotti (Vito Giusto Scozzari 1918-1996) was an American character actor in both dramatic and comedy roles on Broadway, and in films, though perhaps most recognized on television from the fifties through the seventies. The "man of a thousand faces" had the ability to convincingly conquer various ethnic types, everything from a Mexican bandit, a Russian doctor, a Japanese sailor, an Indian travel agent, or an Italian chef (in real life as well). He often sold his character as an expert at his job, whether accurate or not, while never relinquishing his honor. He would seem compelled to offer advice, as well. Sort of a Joe E. Brown in that respect. The San Francisco-born native could play a vicious criminal, a shyster, or an adorable loyal friend. His supporting roles were put to better use on the small screen and his credits are too numerous to mention here. But suffice to say he appeared in nearly everything from The Rifleman to The Golden Girls. He racked up more than 200 screen appearances in his fifty-year career. His last performance was as the manager at Vesuvio's in the crime film comedy, Get Shorty.