Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

David Proval

David Aaron Proval (born May 20, 1942) is an American actor best known for his breakout role as Tony DeVienazo in Martin Scorsese's 1973 film and his portrayal of Richie Aprile on the series . Born in , , to actress Clara Katz, Proval grew up in a Jewish family of descent. His film debut in opposite and marked the start of a prolific career spanning over five decades, with notable supporting roles in films such as (1994) as Snooze, (1995), and (1995). Proval's television work gained widespread acclaim through , where he played the volatile mobster Richie Aprile in the second season after being a finalist for the lead role of . His performance earned him recognition as part of the ensemble cast, which received a Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2001. Beyond these highlights, Proval has appeared in numerous other projects, including UHF (1989) and (1996), often embodying tough, streetwise characters reflective of his roots.

Biography

Early life

David Proval, originally named Aron Proval, was born on May 20, 1942, in the Brownsville section of , . He was the son of Clara Katz, a Romanian-born actress who had performed in theater and , exposing him to the entertainment world from a young age. Proval grew up in a Jewish immigrant family during the 1940s and 1950s in working-class Brownsville, a neighborhood shaped by Eastern European Jewish communities amid post-World War II challenges. His parents were immigrants, and he attended a as part of his before dropping out. Influenced by his mother's profession, Proval developed an early interest in and attempted involvement in theater as a teenager, though his initial efforts met with failure. He also pursued an career in his youth before fully committing to .

Personal life

David Proval was married to Harriet Cohen, with whom he had two children, and . indicate the couple later divorced in . Proval and Cohen were photographed together at the New York premiere of The Brooklyn Banker in 2016, suggesting they maintained a cordial relationship post-divorce. Proval has divided his time between and throughout his adult life, relocating between the two cities at least seven times. A native , he has expressed enthusiasm for the city's sports teams, including rooting for the Knicks franchise. As of 2025, he continues to appear at events in the area, such as fan conventions. Proval identifies as Jewish, drawing from his family's heritage. He has reflected on experiencing antisemitism during his youth in a mixed Jewish-Italian neighborhood.

Career

Early career and breakthrough

David Proval began his formal training in his mid-20s under the renowned instructor in . Proval had made an unsuccessful attempt at theater as a teenager before dropping out of and pursuing other paths, but he recommitted to around 1967, viewing theater as his first love. Details of specific off-Broadway performances during this period remain sparse, as Proval's early efforts were largely preparatory and non-professional, focused on honing his craft amid the vibrant but competitive theater scene. Proval's screen debut came in 1973 with Martin Scorsese's , where he portrayed Tony DeVienazo, a hot-tempered associate in the underworld. The film, Scorsese's second feature and a product of the New Wave era of independent filmmaking, drew from the director's personal experiences in Manhattan's Italian-American community, emphasizing raw, improvisational energy over polished production. Co-starring as the guilt-ridden Charlie and in his breakout role as the reckless Johnny Boy, marked a pivotal moment for Proval, introducing his intense, streetwise persona to audiences and critics, though it was his first major film after years of minor gigs like a television commercial. The role established him within Scorsese's emerging circle of collaborators, contributing to the film's reputation as a seminal work in American cinema's exploration of urban and mob culture. Following , Proval continued building his reputation with supporting roles in films like (1973) and Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins (1975), but his first starring turn arrived in Nunzio (1978), directed by . In the film, Proval played Nunzio Sabatino, a mentally impaired man who escapes his mundane life by imagining himself as , delivering a nuanced performance that blended vulnerability with quiet heroism. This role solidified his image as a character actor specializing in complex, blue-collar Italian-American figures—tough exteriors masking emotional depth—during the tail end of the , when gritty, low-budget stories of working-class struggle dominated independent cinema. Proval's shift from theater to film was gradual and fraught with obstacles, reflecting the broader challenges faced by actors in the film scene, where limited funding and fierce competition among aspiring talents from the city's theater pools often led to years of rejection. After 14 years of persistence, including odd jobs and small parts, Nunzio provided the validation that propelled him toward steady work, though he initially resisted relocating to , preferring the authenticity of East Coast projects. This era's ethos, embodied by filmmakers like Scorsese, allowed Proval to leverage his stage-honed intensity for screen roles that captured the raw energy of urban life.

Film roles

David Proval's film career in the 1980s and 1990s featured him predominantly in supporting roles as tough, streetwise characters in a mix of mainstream and independent productions. In 1989, he portrayed the Head Thug in the satirical comedy UHF, directed by "Weird Al" Yankovic, contributing to the film's chaotic humor alongside . His role as Snooze, a fellow inmate in the prison drama (1994), directed by , showcased his ability to embody hardened yet vulnerable figures in ensemble casts, appearing in scenes that highlighted the film's themes of resilience and camaraderie. Proval followed this with the manic husband Sigfried in the anthology film (1995), where his intense performance in ' segment "The Wrong Man" added to the movie's quirky, noir-inflected tension, earning praise for his volatile energy. Other notable 1990s appearances included a brief but memorable turn as Charlie Zephro in the adventure (1996), reinforcing his as a gritty , and the mobster Lenny in the Innocent Blood (1992). Entering the , Proval continued to gravitate toward and , often playing authoritative or menacing figures in crime and horror projects. In the The (2005), he played the father in a tense narrative about a woman entangled in a deadly pact, delivering a subdued yet ominous presence that complemented the film's suspenseful atmosphere. He made a as an FBI agent in the ensemble thriller (2006), directed by , adding to the chaotic hitman storyline with his seasoned intensity. Collaborations in indie cinema, such as his role in the dramedy (2006) as Caesar DiNatale, highlighted his versatility in portraying eccentric mentors. Critics noted his reliable in these lower-budget efforts, often elevating supporting parts through nuanced menace. In 2019, he played Vince Rose in the indie crime film Lost Angelas. In recent years, up to 2025, Proval has maintained an active presence in independent features, focusing on dramatic and comedic roles that leverage his veteran status. He appeared as Mickey in the urban drama Queen of Manhattan (2025), contributing to its exploration of ambition and family ties in New York City's underbelly. In the short film Written for Walken (2023), Proval played a version of himself, offering meta-commentary on Hollywood aspirations in a lighthearted pitch to attach Christopher Walken to an unwritten script. His portrayal of Bob Herbert in the thriller Dakota (2024), directed by Martin Bentsen, involved a key supporting role in a story of redemption following a tragic accident, praised for adding emotional depth to the ensemble. Throughout his career, Proval has amassed over 100 film credits, predominantly in supporting capacities across crime dramas, comedies, and occasional horror, consistently embodying complex, blue-collar antiheroes.

Television roles

David Proval made his early television appearances as a guest star in several series, showcasing his ability to portray tough, streetwise characters in procedural and action formats. In 1983, he appeared uncredited as a robber in the episode "Silent Knight," marking one of his initial forays into broadcast TV. He followed this with a guest role as Felix Parinchinko in the 1984 Cagney & Lacey episode "Taxicab Stories," and later featured in episodes of (1985) and (1986), where he played supporting antagonists in crime-driven narratives. Proval's television career gained significant momentum with his portrayal of Richie Aprile in the HBO series The Sopranos during its second season in 2000. As the volatile of the Aprile crew, recently released from after a decade-long sentence for , Richie engaged in intense power struggles with , including territorial disputes and personal conflicts exacerbated by his abusive relationship with . His arc culminated in his death at Janice's hands in the episode "The Knight in White Satin Armor," spanning 11 episodes and highlighting his explosive temper and old-school mob mentality. The role, which drew on Proval's established Italian-American persona from earlier films, marked a career revival, reintroducing him to a broader audience and leading to increased opportunities in prestige television. Beyond , Proval took on recurring roles in several notable series throughout the 1990s and 2000s, demonstrating his versatility in both dramatic and comedic contexts. He appeared as Garvin, a gruff but loyal friend in the Barone family circle, in (1996–2005), adding edge to the sitcom's ensemble dynamics. Additional guest spots included an appearance in as a suspect in a , underscoring his frequent casting in law enforcement procedurals, and a guest role as Frank the Potato Man in the 1992 episode "Frank the Potato Man." Proval also had a guest voice role as Paul Turcotte in the 2002 pilot episode of . In the 2020s, Proval continued to appear in guest and supporting capacities across streaming and traditional platforms, often in roles that leveraged his seasoned, authoritative presence. He portrayed Mr. Purcelli in the series in the 2022 episode "The Raccoon" during its final season. In 2024, he began appearing as Moe in the action-comedy TV series Diddleville (2024–), centered on a young martial artist's tournament journey. These appearances highlight Proval's ongoing adaptability in modern TV formats, from bingeable comedies to serialized narratives.

Other contributions

In addition to his on-screen performances, Proval served as an acting coach for Eddie Murphy during the production of the 1982 film 48 Hrs., where Murphy made his feature film debut transitioning from stand-up comedy and television. Producers hired Proval, then an established actor from films like Mean Streets, to help Murphy adapt to dramatic scenes and on-set dynamics, sharing techniques on emotional delivery and scene partnership that Murphy credited for easing his entry into cinema. In a later interview, Proval recounted humorous anecdotes from the set, including Murphy's initial nervousness and their collaborative rehearsals, noting that Murphy later invited him to coach on Trading Places (1983), an offer Proval respectfully declined due to scheduling conflicts. Proval has contributed to in animated projects, beginning with the of the assassin Necron 99 in the 1977 cult film . He later voiced Crazy Shapiro in the 1982 animated feature Hey Good Lookin', directed by , adding to his portfolio of distinctive character work in animation. Beyond these, Proval appeared in a vintage Sprint GTE long-distance telephone commercial in the 1980s, leveraging his recognizable screen presence for advertising. In recent years, he has shared insights on the acting craft through podcast appearances, such as on (2020), where he discussed his training under and the nuances of character development in ensemble casts.

Recognition

Awards and nominations

David Proval has received one award and four nominations throughout his career, primarily recognizing his performances in independent films and ensemble television work, which underscore his versatility as a excelling in supporting roles. His performance as Nunzio in the 1978 drama Nunzio, directed by , where he portrayed a developmentally disabled man navigating urban life in , earned critical praise and highlighted his ability to bring depth to complex, empathetic characters in intimate storytelling. Proval earned a nomination for the Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2001 for his portrayal of Richie Aprile on , shared with co-stars including , , , , and others from the series. This recognition came during the show's third season and affirmed the collective impact of the cast's portrayals of family dynamics. In 1984, Proval received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play for his role in the Broadway revival of Requiem for a Heavyweight. In 2012, he received the Distinctive Achievement Award for Supporting Actor in a Feature Film at the Wild Rose Independent Film Festival for his role in Just 45 Minutes from Broadway, a comedy-drama about family and show business, emphasizing his skill in delivering nuanced supporting performances in indie cinema. Additional nominations include the 2019 CinEuphoria Awards for Best Ensemble in the National Competition for Cabaret Maxime, where he contributed to an ensemble exploring themes of art and personal struggle in a setting. In 2021, Proval was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a at the FilmHaus: Film + New Media Competition for Lost Angelas, a depicting and redemption in , further showcasing his enduring strength in character-driven indie projects.

Critical reception and legacy

David Proval's performance in the 1978 film Nunzio earned widespread critical praise for his authentic portrayal of an intellectually disabled Italian-American man with heroic delusions. The New York Times commended Proval for bringing "an eerie accuracy to the character's lumbering movements, his strange habit of repeating phrases over and over, his fierce concentration on tasks that would strike anyone else as easy, and his childish eye for unusual details," highlighting his nuanced of and strength. His recurring role as the volatile Richie Aprile in The Sopranos (2000–2001) further solidified Proval's reputation for embodying complex Italian-American figures, blending menace with underlying . Critics and the lauded his ability to infuse the character with and , distinguishing it from stereotypical portrayals. The performance contributed to the series' acclaim for its deep exploration of family dynamics, earning Proval opportunities in subsequent projects based solely on its impact. While Proval's breakthrough in Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets (1973) and later mobster roles led to typecasting as a tough Italian-American enforcer—evident in incidents where his Sopranos persona intimidated restaurant staff—he demonstrated versatility across genres, including horror in The Devil's Rejects (2005), where he played the sleazy manager Uncle Sidney, adding gritty authenticity to Rob Zombie's chaotic ensemble. This range allowed him to avoid one-dimensionality, drawing on his New York roots for varied character depth. For his role in the 2001 play Seltzer-Man, director Lisa James described his work as "fabulous," noting how it captured a rare comedic edge. By 2025, Proval's five-decade career has left a lasting legacy as a quintessential , influencing generations through his raw, improvisational style in ensemble-driven narratives. His contributions to Scorsese's early work, particularly , helped pioneer intimate portrayals of Italian-American life in , shifting mafia depictions from mythic grandeur to everyday rites of passage and guilt-ridden masculinity. This approach resonated in New York's acting scene, inspiring authentic representations in indie films and television, where Proval continues to appear in retrospectives and conventions honoring his enduring impact.

References

  1. [1]
    Proval, David 1942– | Encyclopedia.com
    Original name, Aron Proval; born May 20, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, NY; son of Clara Katz (an actress); married Harriet Cohen; children: Marc, Brett.
  2. [2]
    David Proval - Turner Classic Movies - TCM
    The son of the actress Clara Katz, David Proval made his onscreen debut opposite Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro in the 1973 growing-up-gangster classic ...
  3. [3]
    David Proval - Jew or Not Jew
    Oct 8, 2021 · David Aaron Proval (born May 20, 1942) is an American actor. Proval was born in Brooklyn, New York into a Jewish family, the son of Clara ...
  4. [4]
    David Proval Biography - Real Autograph Collectors Club (RACC)
    David Proval is an American actor and former boxer, known for his roles as Tony DeVienazo in the Martin Scorsese film Mean Streets (1973), Snooze in The ...
  5. [5]
    David Proval - Biography - IMDb
    He was a finalist to play Tony in The Sopranos (1999). He was later cast as Richie Aprile in the second season. He is of Romanian Jewish extraction.
  6. [6]
    David Proval - Awards - IMDb
    2001 Nominee Actor. Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. The Sopranos. Shared with: Lorraine Bracco · Dominic Chianese · Drea de Matteo ...
  7. [7]
    David Proval - IMDb
    David Proval launched his acting career with a starring role in Mean Streets (1973), directed by Martin Scorsese, and has been working nonstop ever since.
  8. [8]
    New Face: David Preval - The New York Times
    Aug 4, 1978 · Mr. Proval, a product of Brooklyn's Brownsville, is 32 years old. Son of Rumanian immigrants, a yeshiva dropout, teen‐age failure in the theater ...Missing: influences mother
  9. [9]
    David Proval Biography (1942-) - Film Reference
    Original name, Aron Proval; born May 20, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, NY; sonof Clara Katz (an actress); married Harriet Cohen; children: Marc, Brett.
  10. [10]
    David Proval Biography | Fandango
    David Proval made his onscreen debut opposite Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro in the 1973 growing-up-gangster classic Mean Streets.
  11. [11]
    David Proval - Actor Filmography، photos، Video
    An American actor, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He is the son of Romanian actress Clara Katz. He began his acting career in the 1973 film Mean Streets, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    David Proval - NNDB
    David Proval, aka Aron Proval, born 20-May-1942, birthplace Brooklyn, NY, gender male, religion Jewish, race or ethnicity white, occupation actor.
  13. [13]
    David Proval - Ancestry.com
    David A Proval. Spouse. Harriet A. Divorce · David Proval. Spouse. Hariet Cohen · David Aaron Proval. Parent. Clara Proval · David A Proval.
  14. [14]
    Actor David Proval and Harriet Cohen attend the "The Brooklyn ...
    Aug 3, 2016 · Actor David Proval and Harriet Cohen attend the "The Brooklyn Banker" New York premiere at SVA Theatre on August 2, 2016 in New York City.Missing: marriage | Show results with:marriage
  15. [15]
    Come meet Sharon Angela and David Proval this weekend for our ...
    Sep 2, 2025 · Come meet Sharon Angela and David Proval this weekend for our Sopranos Reunion! Location: Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel.
  16. [16]
    The secret Jewish history of The Sopranos - The Forward
    Sep 28, 2021 · ... Catholic, but I very much identify as being Jewish as well. I had all kinds of aunts and uncles and I had the best of both worlds.” David Proval ...
  17. [17]
    He's Not Such a Bad Guy - Los Angeles Times
    Sep 15, 2001 · Proval taught acting. He moved back and forth, seven times, between Los Angeles and New York. He played a plumber in “The Brady Bunch Movie ...Missing: residence | Show results with:residence
  18. [18]
    He's Got Something Going On: David Proval on Mean Streets, and ...
    Apr 22, 2024 · David Proval, now 81, is a native New Yorker who has collected a diverse array of screen credits over the past half-century.Missing: residence | Show results with:residence
  19. [19]
    Mean Streets at 50: The Start of the Scorsese Revolution
    Oct 16, 2023 · John Cassavetes encouraged Martin Scorsese to make something personal. The result, Mean Streets, started a filmmaker's reign at the top.
  20. [20]
    https://www.rogerebert.com/mzs/this-guy-hes-got-something-going-on-david-proval-on-mean-streets-and-acting-for-martin-scorese
  21. [21]
    'Nunzio' Film Portrays Man Who's a Child:The Cast
    May 14, 1978 · As played by David Proval, the excellent actor who appeared as the bartender in Mean Streets, Nunzio is part Rocky, part Superman and part David Berkowitz.Missing: significance | Show results with:significance
  22. [22]
    Nunzio (1978) - Every 70s Movie
    Mar 30, 2018 · David Proval, who began his long film/TV career with Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets (1973) and later played a recurring role on The Sopranos ...
  23. [23]
    David Proval as Snooze - The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - IMDb
    The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - David Proval as Snooze.
  24. [24]
    David Proval as Sigfried (segment: The Wrong Man) - IMDb
    Four Rooms (1995) - David Proval as Sigfried (segment: The Wrong Man)
  25. [25]
    David Proval Movies & TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes
    Birthday: May 20, 1942. Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA. The son of the actress Clara Katz, David Proval made his onscreen debut opposite Harvey Keitel ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
  26. [26]
    David Proval - TV Guide
    104 Credits. Grace and Frankie as Mr. Purcelli. Grace and Frankie. Flinch as Lee Vaughn. Flinch. Five Families. Lost Angelas as Vince Rose. Lost Angelas.
  27. [27]
    Sopranos Actor, David Proval, Talks On The Richie Aprile Character
    Feb 18, 2024 · Even though he was only in 1 season, his impact was remarkable as Richie Aprile.
  28. [28]
    David Proval — The Movie Database (TMDB)
    David Aaron Proval (born May 20, 1942) is an American actor, known for his roles as Richie Aprile on the HBO television series The SopranosMissing: notable | Show results with:notable
  29. [29]
    WITH ALL DUE RESPECT - Love Productions
    David Proval has appeared in such feature films as The Shawshank Redemption, The Phantom, Mob Queen, Four Rooms, UHF, Innocent Blood, and The Siege, he also ...
  30. [30]
    'Sopranos' Star David Proval Recalled Coaching Eddie Murphy on ...
    Sep 19, 2020 · David Proval coached Eddie Murphy for '48 Hours' · Proval declined an offer from Murphy to coach him a 2nd time · Your Use of Our Content.
  31. [31]
    10 Timely Facts About 48 Hrs. - Mental Floss
    Mar 5, 2016 · In the same interview, he also shared that his acting coach for the film was David Proval, who would go on to play Richie Aprile on The Sopranos ...
  32. [32]
    https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2555-david-proval?language=en-US
  33. [33]
    David Proval (visual voices guide) - Behind The Voice Actors
    David Proval is a voice actor known for voicing Peace, and Crazy Shapiro. Take a visual walk through their career and see 2 images of the characters they've ...Missing: animated | Show results with:animated
  34. [34]
    Vintage Sprint GTE Long Distance Commercial Starring David ...
    Oct 20, 2020 · Vintage Sprint GTE Long Distance Commercial Starring David Proval/Richie Aprile from the Sopranos.Missing: games theater post- 2000
  35. [35]
    Talking Sopranos #25 w/guest David Proval (Richie Aprile) "The ...
    Sep 13, 2020 · The evil Richie Aprile (David Proval) joins Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa for this week's episode of Talking Sopranos.Missing: seasons impact
  36. [36]
    The 7th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
    DAVID PROVALRichie Aprile; JAMIE LYNN SIGLERMeadow Soprano; TONY SIRICOPaulie ... Male Actor in a Comedy Series. Cast of David Hyde Pierce Frasier ...
  37. [37]
    David Proval Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards - TV Guide
    Known for his roles in the film "Mean Streets" and the series "The Sapranos․"; Worked as an acting coach for Eddie Murphy during the film ...
  38. [38]
    Celebrating the Living: David Proval | The-Solute
    Nov 19, 2023 · Proval is eighty-one and has four things listed as “in production” on IMDb. He'll be playing himself in a short called “Written for Walken.”Missing: residence | Show results with:residence