Harvey Keitel

Date of Birth: May 13, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Harvey Keitel is an acclaimed American actor and producer, known for his intense and gritty performances in a career spanning over five decades. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents from Romania and Poland. Keitel served in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing acting, studying under renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg at the HB Studio in New York City. Keitel first gained recognition for his work with director Martin Scorsese in films like “Mean Streets” (1973) and “Taxi Driver” (1976). He has since collaborated with other notable directors, including Quentin Tarantino in “Reservoir Dogs” (1992) and “Pulp Fiction” (1994). His versatility has allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, from mobsters to complex anti-heroes. Throughout his career, Keitel has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for his role in “Bugsy” (1991) and a Golden Globe nomination for “The Piano” (1993). He remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, respected for his dedication to the craft of acting.

5 Interesting Facts about Harvey Keitel

1. Harvey Keitel was a founding member of the Actors Studio alongside Al Pacino and Ellen Burstyn.

2. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from age 16 to 19, which he credits with instilling discipline in him.

3. Keitel is fluent in Yiddish and has appeared in several Yiddish-language films.

4. He turned down the role of Captain Willard in “Apocalypse Now” (1979), which was later played by Martin Sheen.

5. Keitel is known for his loyalty to directors he admires, frequently collaborating with Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harvey Keitel

1. “You’re in the business of creating, so you have to be open to new ideas.”

2. “I’ve always had a love affair with the camera. But the camera can be really cruel.”

3. “In the Marine Corps, everything had a purpose. My life has always been like that.”

4. “I’m not interested in a marketable product: I’m interested in what I know from my life experience to be true.”

5. “To create characters, one must build background and find the real people who live and breathe under the mask.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Harvey Keitel’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.

Children

Harvey Keitel has three children: 1. Stella Keitel, born in 1985, from his relationship with actress Lorraine Bracco. 2. Hudson Karmazin Keitel, born in 2001, with his current wife, actress Daphna Kastner. 3. Roman Keitel, born in 2004, also with Daphna Kastner.