Joe Spinell (1946-1989) was an American character actor, known for his ability to portray intense and often unsettling roles. His career was marked by marginal characters, criminals, psychopaths, or authoritarian figures with a menacing aura.

He collaborated with some of the era's greatest directors, appearing in iconic films such as Francis Ford Coppola's *The Godfather Part II* (1974), John G. Avildsen's *Rocky* (1976) (as Gazzo, Rocky's employer), and Martin Scorsese's *Taxi Driver* (1976). Other significant appearances include *The Deer Hunter* (1978) and *Escape from New York* (1981).

His most memorable and disturbing performance remains that of serial killer protagonist Frank Zito in *Maniac* (1980), a cult horror film that cemented his fame. His acting style was raw, visceral, and often brought a palpable sense of unease to the screen, making him an unforgettable face of 1970s and 1980s New York cinema.