10 fun and interesting Harvey Keitel facts

1. Hollywood Icon & De Niro/Scorsese Bonds

Harvey Keitel is a Hollywood icon in his own right, but he also has close relationships with two of the most iconic figures in the industry: Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. Keitel has worked with both of them on numerous occasions, including in films such as Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, and The Irishman. His collaborations with De Niro and Scorsese have been highly acclaimed, earning him numerous awards and nominations. Keitel's close relationships with these two Hollywood legends have helped to cement his place in the industry.

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2. From Taxi Driver to The Irishman

Harvey Keitel is renowned for his intense and morally-driven characters, often portrayed as violent figures. His characters are often complex and multifaceted, with a strong moral center that drives their actions, no matter how extreme. From his iconic roles in films such as Taxi Driver and Reservoir Dogs to his more recent performances in The Irishman and The Grand Budapest Hotel, Keitel has consistently delivered powerful performances that explore the depths of morality and violence.

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3. an iconic actor who served in the Marines

Harvey Keitel is an iconic actor who has starred in some of the most memorable films of the past few decades. However, before he was an actor, he was a U.S. Marine. In 1958, he served overseas in Lebanon, a country located in the Middle East. During his time there, he was part of a peacekeeping mission that aimed to maintain stability in the region. His service in the military was an important part of his life and helped shape the man he is today.

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4. From Court Stenographer to Actor

Harvey Keitel had a diverse range of jobs during his formative years. He was a court stenographer, transcribing legal proceedings for the court, and a salesman at a store that specialized in women's shoes. His experience in both roles gave him a unique insight into the world of law and fashion, two areas that would later become integral to his career as an actor.

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5. The Actor's Studio Tale

Harvey Keitel is a renowned actor who has had a long and successful career. He honed his craft at the prestigious Actors Studio, where he trained with two of the most influential acting teachers of the 20th century: Stella Adler and Frank Corsaro. Adler was a renowned acting coach and teacher who developed her own acting technique, while Corsaro was a director and teacher who was instrumental in the development of the Method Acting technique. Keitel's training with these two influential figures undoubtedly helped him to become the successful actor he is today.

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6. Nearly Captain Willard in 'Apocalypse Now'

Harvey Keitel was originally cast in the role of Captain Willard in the iconic film "Apocalypse Now", but unfortunately, a few weeks before filming began, he was fired from the project after having a disagreement with the director, Francis Ford Coppola. The part was then given to Martin Sheen, who went on to deliver a memorable performance in the film.

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7. Uncomfortable during interviews, but still entertaining

Harvey Keitel is notoriously uncomfortable during interviews, often laughing nervously and admitting his unease. He has gone on record to say that he finds interviews to be a source of anxiety, and that he often finds himself laughing uncontrollably in an attempt to cope with the stress. Despite his discomfort, Keitel has still managed to give some memorable interviews over the years, proving that he can still be engaging and entertaining even when he's feeling nervous.

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8. Harvey Keitel Godfather to Michael Madsen's Son

Harvey Keitel is a renowned actor and close friend of Michael Madsen, and he has been honored with the title of godfather to Madsen's son. Keitel and Madsen have been friends for many years, and Keitel's role as godfather is a testament to the strong bond between them. As godfather, Keitel has taken on the responsibility of being a mentor and role model to Madsen's son, and he is committed to helping him grow into a successful and responsible adult.

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9. Iconic Actor Who Has Played a Variety of Roles

Harvey Keitel is an iconic actor who has played a variety of roles throughout his career, including the memorable role of a "cleaner" in two films: "Point of No Return" and "Pulp Fiction". In "Point of No Return", Keitel plays a professional assassin who is hired to eliminate a target, while in "Pulp Fiction" he plays a mob enforcer tasked with cleaning up after a botched hit. Both roles showcase Keitel's ability to bring a unique intensity to his characters, making him one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.

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10. Iconic Hollywood Actor

Harvey Keitel has been a Hollywood heartthrob since 1995, when Empire magazine named him one of the 100 sexiest stars in Hollywood. His rugged good looks and intense performances have made him a fan favorite for decades, and his iconic roles in films such as Taxi Driver, The Piano, and Reservoir Dogs have cemented his place in Hollywood history.