Lenny Montana
ActingAbout Lenny Montana
Tall and solidly built, this Italian-American professional wrestler turned actor was born Lenny Passaforo in Brooklyn, New York, and is best remembered for his first on-screen role as the not too bright but ever loyal bodyguard Luca Brasi in The Godfather (1972). Montana didn't get a lot of screen time before being eliminated by the henchmen of opposing gangster Al Lettieri with a garrote and a knife; however, he caught the eye of casting agents and over the next ten years racked up roles in 16 movies. Usually cast as "muscle for hire", he was equally good at playing the intimidating thug or a buffoonish hoodlum, such as in Battle Creek Brawl (1980) and The Jerk (1979). His last film appearance was in the B-thriller Blood Song (1982), which he also co-wrote. He died in May 1992 of a heart attack while in Italy.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Lenny Montana reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 20 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Lenny Montana's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 15% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Lenny Montana remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Godfather: The Complete Epic 1901–1959, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Lenny Montana Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Lenny Montana's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Lenny Montana.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Blood Song | Skipper | Flop | Similar → |
| 1982 | Pandemonium | Coach | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | Evilspeak | Jake | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Godfather: The Complete Epic 1901–1959 | Luca Brasi (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | ...All the Marbles | Jerome | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Below the Belt | The Geek | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Big Brawl | John | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Defiance | Whacko | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Jerk | Con Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Seven | The Kahuna | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | They Went That-A-Way & That-A-Way | Brick | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | Matilda | Hood #1 | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | Fingers | Luchino | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Contract on Cherry Street | Phil Lombardi | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | Patty | The Racketeer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1975 | Strike Force | Italian Dockworker | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Funny Face of the Godfather | Saro | Flop | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Godfather | Luca Brasi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| N/A | Patty | The Racketeer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1969 | Change of Habit | Grocer (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
Lenny Montana - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Lenny Montana?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Lenny Montana is "The Godfather: The Complete Epic 1901–1959" with a rating of 8.9/10.
How many movies has Lenny Montana acted in?
Lenny Montana has been featured in at least 20 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Lenny Montana?
Other notable films include "The Godfather", "The Jerk", and "Defiance".