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Tom Rosqui

Thomas Francis Rosqui^[2] (June 12, 1928 – April 12, 1991)^[3] was an American character actor known for his versatility at portraying a variety of stage and film roles.^[4]

Early life[edit]

Born in Oakland, California, the son of a Portuguese mother, Sally (née Fernandes), a homemaker, and an Italian father, Thomas A. Rosqui, a traffic manager,^[2] Rosqui grew up in Sacramento^[5] and attended Sacramento Junior College and won a drama scholarship to the College of the Pacific, appearing in college productions and winning the school's F. Melvyn Lawson Award in dramatics.

Career[edit]

Rosqui's career as a professional actor began in 1951, when he appeared in St. John Terrell's Music Circus in Sacramento, appearing in a production of Show Boat.^[6][7]

He went on to appear in the national touring company production of The Cocktail Party. While serving in the U.S. Navy he appeared in the Actor's Workshop in San Francisco. After discharge he moved to New York, returning to San Francisco to appear in Gift of Fury, a play by Herbert Blau, who had headed the San Francisco Actors' Workshop with Jules Irving. When Blau and Irving formed the Lincoln Center Repertory Company, he was invited to join it, performing there for two years, appearing in The Condemned of Altona and Danton's Death.^[7]

He appeared on Broadway in Sticks and Bones and The Price, among other productions. He also appeared on television, but his most prominent role was as Corleone family bodyguard Rocco Lampone in the first two Godfather movies.^[4] By the 1980s, he was appearing largely on stage.^[5]

Personal life[edit]

Rosqui was married to actress Erica Yohn until his death at age 62 in 1991, following a long struggle with cancer. He was survived by a son, Yohn Rosqui, and two stepchildren.^[1]

Filmography[edit]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Tom RosquiatIMDb
• Tom Rosqui at the Internet Broadway Database

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