Don Amici is an American actor who became famous for his work on the radio, and then began a successful career as an actor in theater and cinema. In the 80s, he received a new portion of popularity after participating in several successful projects. During his many years of career, he played in almost a hundred series and films. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Childhood and youth
Don Amici was born on May 31, 1908 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Real name is Donald Felix Amici. The family also had three brothers: Luis, Umberto and Jim, who later also became a famous actor and radio host.
Don Amici studied at several Catholic colleges, after which he graduated from the University of Wisconsin. Initially, he planned to study law, but in his student days he accidentally got into a theatrical production and got the idea to become an actor.
First successes
After graduation, Don Amici participated in several vaudeville and Broadway productions, but could not get a permanent contract with any theater. After that, he began working on the radio, where, thanks to his unique voice, he quickly became popular.
In 1935, the actor appeared in a small role in the movie "Hell Dante." Twentieth Century Fox Studios offered Amici a long-term contract. Over the next few years, Don Amici played a role in many of the studio's films, sometimes appearing as a supporting character.
One of the most famous films of Don Amici is the biographical picture "The History of Alexander Graham Bell" of 1939. The actor portrayed the inventor of the phone, after which many Americans even began to call the phone in honor of Amichi.
In general, during the ten-year contract with the studio, the actor took part in several dozen projects. After the end of the agreement, he began working with other studios, continuing to successfully film.
Since the late 40s, the filmography of Don Amici has become less saturated, the actor began to work more on radio and television. Over the next few years, he participated in dozens of radio shows, entertainment shows, and television programs. He also began to actively play on Broadway.
From 1961 to 1965, Don Amici hosted the successful International Display program. He, along with the film crew, traveled the world and personally attended circus and ice shows, simultaneously acting as a commentator.
The actor began to act less and less and after the release of several comedy films in the early 70s for 30 years disappeared from the big screens. At this time, he appeared as a guest star in many popular television programs, including the famous series Colombo. According to rumors, he was considered for the role of Vito Corleone in the film "The Godfather", however, Marlon Brando received the role.
Career revival
In 1983, Don Amici, along with another veteran of the actor’s workshop, Ralph Bellamy, received the role of one of the Duke brothers in the comedy "Swap". The success of the picture returned Amici to its former glory, he began to act more often. In 1985, he played in the sci-fi film directed by Ron Howard "Cocoon" for which he received the Academy Award in the category "Best Supporting Actor". A few years later, Amici took part in the sequel to the film, which received no recognition from critics or viewers.
The actor continued to act successfully. In 1988, he played one of the main roles in the family film "Harry and Hendersons", and also played in David Mamet's comedy "Everything Changes." Repeated the role of one of the Duke brothers in the movie "Trip to America."
Don Amici continued to work until his death, every year, starring in at least one full-length film, as well as playing on Broadway and appearing as a guest star in comedy series. He died at the age of 85 on December 6, 1993.
Personal life
Don Amici was married to Honor Prendengarst from 1932 until her death in 1986. In the marriage, six children were born, two daughters and four sons.