Pat Renella, Italian-American actor (d. 2012)

Pat Renella, a familiar face who brought gravitas and grit to countless supporting roles across film and television, carved out a notable career as a quintessential American character actor. Born on March 24, 1929, he graced screens for decades before his passing on November 9, 2012, at the age of 83.

An Early Start in Film and Stage

Renella’s journey into the entertainment world began on the big screen with his motion picture debut in 1961. He appeared as an engineer in the space drama X-15, a film that also featured rising stars like David McLean and Charles Bronson. That same year, Renella demonstrated his versatility by stepping onto the stage, acting in the play Bullfight. This production opened on November 17, 1961, at the Coronet Repertory Theatre, a prominent venue on North La Cienega in West Hollywood.

The Working Actor: From Hoods to Henchmen

While Pat Renella might not have consistently headlined the entertainment columns of the Los Angeles Times, his prolific career as a working actor was undeniable. He became a go-to performer for small yet impactful parts, often embodying the archetype of gangster types and hoods, roles he played with convincing authenticity. This era of Hollywood was built on the backs of such dedicated character actors, whose faces were instantly recognizable even if their names weren't always marquee.

A String of Cinematic Appearances

Renella’s filmography expanded through the 1960s with a series of memorable roles. After an uncredited appearance as a man in the star-studded spy comedy The Silencers (1966), which featured Dean Martin, Stella Stevens, and Victor Buono, he had another uncredited small part in Riot on Sunset Strip (1967) alongside Aldo Ray. The following year, Renella took on the role of Claude Sadi in Dayton's Devils (1968), sharing the screen with Rory Calhoun, Leslie Nielsen, and Lainie Kazan.

1968 proved to be a significant year for Renella with his appearance in the iconic Steve McQueen thriller, Bullitt. In this classic crime drama, Renella played Johnny Ross, a supposed Mafia informant whose scheduled testimony in San Francisco becomes a pivotal plot point. His presence added to the film's gritty realism, a hallmark of the era's best crime cinema.

A Staple of the Small Screen

Beyond his film work, Pat Renella was a constant presence on television, gracing some of the most popular shows of his time. He notably took over the role of Roxy in the situation comedy The New Phil Silvers Show, portraying the character for the duration of its 1963–1964 run after Bert Convy played Roxy in the pilot. Renella appeared in eight episodes, becoming a regular fixture for viewers.

His extensive list of guest appearances reads like a "who's who" of classic American television, showcasing his ability to seamlessly fit into diverse genres. Viewers would have recognized him on hit shows such as:

• Route 66
• Combat!
• Planet of the Apes
• Mannix
• The High Chaparral
• McCloud
• The Rockford Files
• The Streets of San Francisco
• Hunter
• The Dukes of Hazzard

He even delved into the world of daytime drama with an appearance on the long-running soap opera, General Hospital, underscoring his broad appeal and consistent work ethic.

A Charmed Encounter and Later Career

Adding a touch of Hollywood lore to his biography, Renella once shared a charming anecdote about attending the Academy Awards. At an after-party, he had the courage to approach the legendary Ginger Rogers and ask her to dance. Rogers, with her characteristic elegance, agreed but suggested he return when a slower tune was played – a request he happily obliged. This glimpse into his personal interactions speaks to the human element behind the roles he played.

Renella continued to act into the later decades of his life. He appeared as the manager of an inn in the sci-fi horror drama Moonchild (1974), which reunited him with Victor Buono, and also featured John Carradine. In 1977, he played Duke in Run for the Roses, starring Panchito Gomez and Vera Miles. One of his later film roles was as a policeman in the 1989 comedy Beverly Hills Brats, starring Burt Young, Martin Sheen, and Terry Moore. Notably, during the bloopers reel shown over the end credits, Renella was featured humorously flubbing a line, a testament to the lighthearted spirit he often brought to sets.

Legacy and Final Resting Place

Pat Renella passed away at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 83. His contributions to film and television, though often in supporting capacities, helped shape the cinematic landscape of his era. He is entombed in the mausoleum at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated and memorable presence in American entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pat Renella

Who was Pat Renella?

Pat Renella (March 24, 1929 – November 9, 2012) was an American character actor known for his prolific work in supporting roles across film and television, often playing "gangster types and hoods."

What films is Pat Renella famous for?

While he appeared in many films, Pat Renella is notably remembered for his role as Johnny Ross in the iconic 1968 Steve McQueen film Bullitt. He also appeared in X-15, The Silencers, Dayton's Devils, and Beverly Hills Brats.

What TV shows did Pat Renella appear in?

Pat Renella was a frequent guest star on numerous popular television series. His extensive credits include The New Phil Silvers Show (as Roxy), Route 66, Combat!, Planet of the Apes, Mannix, The Rockford Files, The Dukes of Hazzard, and General Hospital, among many others.

When did Pat Renella make his professional debut?

Pat Renella made his motion picture debut in 1961 in the space drama X-15. He also acted in the stage play Bullfight, which opened in November 1961.

Where is Pat Renella buried?

Pat Renella is entombed in the mausoleum at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.