Gianni Russo of ‘The Godfather’ Coming to Robins Theatre

WARREN, Ohio – Gianni Russo, who played the role of Carlo in “The Godfather” (1972), will come to the Robins Theatre on Oct. 17.

In his show, titled “The Gianni Russo Experience,” the actor-entrepreneur will share stories about the filming of “The Godfather.”

He will also discuss surviving his childhood battle with polio, his stint as a messenger for the mob, and how Marlon Brando became his acting coach and Frank Sinatra became his singing coach.

Russo befriended Marilyn Monroe during the final years of her life, and he will share footage and stories from those days.

Tickets range from $38 to $28 (plus applicable fees) and will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 28, at robinstheatre.com and the box office, 160 E. Market St. VIP tickets, which include a private reception with Russo at the Sunrise Inn before the show, are $100.

Born in Manhattan and raised in Little Italy and Staten Island, Russo overcame polio as a child to start his first “business” at age 12, selling pens and erasers on street corners. At age 18, he moved to Miami, where he worked in nightclubs. He later pursued an acting career.

Russo made a career of playing tough guys in film roles. He has appeared in more than 40 movies, including “The Freshman,” “Rush Hour,” “Any Given Sunday” and “Sea Biscuit.” His television appearances include “Kojak,” “The Rockford Files” and “Prison Break.”

Pictured at top: The cover of Gianni Russo’s memoir, “Hollywood Godfather: My Life in the Movies and the Mob.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.