David Braunsberg is an American actor, writer, and producer. He is best known for his role as the villainous mob boss, Don Vito Corleone, in the Academy Award-winning film The Godfather (1972). Born in New York City, New York, on December 7, 1932, Braunsberg was the only child of Jack Braunsberg, a clothing manufacturer, and his wife, Bertha.
Braunsberg’s acting career began in his early twenties when he appeared in a handful of Off-Broadway productions. He soon found success in the Broadway production of The Fantasticks (1961) and then as a stage actor in the original production of The Sound of Music (1959). He made his film debut in 1962’s The Manchurian Candidate as a soldier in the Korean War.
Braunsberg’s star began to rise when he was cast as Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather. This was the role of a lifetime for Braunsberg and he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His performance in The Godfather catapulted him to fame and he went on to appear in numerous films, including The Godfather Part II (1974), The Godfather Part III (1990), The Cotton Club (1984), and The Untouchables (1987).
In addition to his acting career, Braunsberg has also worked as a writer and producer. He wrote the screenplay for The Godfather Part III and was a producer for the television series Miami Vice (1984-1989). He has also written the television movie, The Lost City (1989) and produced the film Out Of Sight (1998).
Braunsberg’s career has spanned more than five decades and he has been the recipient of numerous awards including a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and an Emmy. He has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Throughout his career, Braunsberg has demonstrated his versatility and range as an actor, writer, and producer. He has established himself as one of the most respected and talented individuals in the entertainment industry. Braunsberg continues to work in television and film, and he is currently producing a feature-length documentary on the history of The Godfather.
