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Chazz Palminteri Honored by New York State Senate
Joseph E. Robach
June 16, 2011
Recently, I had the opportunity to congratulate Chazz Palminteri for his commitment to preserving Italian American heritage. The New York State adopted a resolution earlier this month to honor Chazz at the Italian-American Day Celebration.
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Chazz Palminteri for his commitment to
preserving Italian American heritage
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment that provide
opportunities to celebrate their rich ethnic flavor and which strive to
preserve their cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Chazz Palminteri for his commitment to preserving Italian American
heritage to be observed at the Italian-American Day Celebration, in
Albany, New York, on Monday, June 6, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 15, 1952, in the Bronx, New York, Calogero Loren
zo Palminteri, known as Chazz, grew up in a rough neighborhood which
taught him vital life lessons that would later prove very useful in
pursuing his passion and lifework; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School, Chazz
Palminteri went on to foster his craft, of writing, acting, and direct
ing, and in 1973, studied with Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio; and
WHEREAS, Due to the negative stereotypes of the wise guys and hoodlums
of the Italian-American community, Chazz Palminteri, through his dedi
cation and hard work, has attempted to shed light on the accomplishments
of his true hero, the working man, the glue that holds together all the
Italian American communities throughout the country; and
WHEREAS, Chazz Palminteri has been a natural choice to continue the
Italianate torch in film, bringing true grit, muscle, and an evocative
realism to the sidewalks of his New York neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Well known for "A Bronx Tale", Chazz Palminteri originally
wrote the semi-autobiographical script for the stage, and in 1988,
performed the masterpiece as a one-man show in Los Angeles, in which he
played 18 different roles, before moving the production to New York;
this outstanding performance earned him nominations for the New York
Outer Critics Circle, for both acting and writing; and
WHEREAS, While in New York Chazz Palminteri completed the screenplay
of "A Bronx Tale", and in 1993, found himself starring opposite Robert
DeNiro in the film, who chose the script for his directorial debut; and
WHEREAS, Extremely talented and multifaceted, Chazz Palminteri has
given acclaimed performances in film, television, and on stage, portray
ing both dramatic and comedic roles; he has also voiced characters in
various animated films, and has written as well as directed, while
always remaining true to his proud Italian American Heritage; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Chazz Palmin
teri received the 1996 Leadership in Entertainment Award from the Coali
tion of Italo-American Associations, Inc., and was honored by President
Clinton with a Special Achievement Award for the Performing Arts from
the National Italian American Foundation in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Chazz Palminteri earned high praise and an Academy Award
nomination for his performance in "Bullets Over Broadway", in which he
portrayed a gangster with unexpected dramaturgical gifts; this earned
him an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actor, as well as
nominations for a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an American Comedy
Award; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Chazz Palminteri is the National Spokesperson
for the Cooley's Anemia Foundation, leading the fight in finding a cure
for Thalassemia; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Gianna, and their two
children, Dante Lorenzo and Gabriella Rose, all of whom feel privileged
to be part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those individ
uals who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diver
sity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Chazz Palminteri for his commitment to preserving Italian American
heritage; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran
smitted to Chazz Palminteri.
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