Actor. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he studied acting through the Theater Program at New York University, and began working on the stage in the 1960s. His first film appearance came in 1971, in Milos Forman's "Taking Off." His aptitude and distinctive appearance soon gave him a steady career in supporting roles, particularly in many of Forman's projects. His first television work came in 1972, as a minor character in "The Corner Bar," the first sustained portrayal of a gay character on American television. Other television credits include "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Cheers." His best known movie roles include biology teacher 'Mr. Vargas' in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," which he reprised in the spin-off TV series, "Fast Times." He won much critical acclaims for his role as a "Subway Ghost" in the hit 1990 drama "Ghost." He also appeared in the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies." Schiavelli appeared in over fifty films in total and continued to collaborate with Milos Forman, having appeared in a strong supporting role in his 1999 biopic of Andy Kaufman, "Man on the Moon." He was married to actress Allyce Beasley from 1985 until their divorce in 1988. In 1992, he married musician Carol Mukhalian. He developed lung cancer and ultimately succumbed to it at his home in Polizzi Generosa, Sicily, Italy.
Actor. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he studied acting through the Theater Program at New York University, and began working on the stage in the 1960s. His first film appearance came in 1971, in Milos Forman's "Taking Off." His aptitude and distinctive appearance soon gave him a steady career in supporting roles, particularly in many of Forman's projects. His first television work came in 1972, as a minor character in "The Corner Bar," the first sustained portrayal of a gay character on American television. Other television credits include "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Cheers." His best known movie roles include biology teacher 'Mr. Vargas' in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," which he reprised in the spin-off TV series, "Fast Times." He won much critical acclaims for his role as a "Subway Ghost" in the hit 1990 drama "Ghost." He also appeared in the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies." Schiavelli appeared in over fifty films in total and continued to collaborate with Milos Forman, having appeared in a strong supporting role in his 1999 biopic of Andy Kaufman, "Man on the Moon." He was married to actress Allyce Beasley from 1985 until their divorce in 1988. In 1992, he married musician Carol Mukhalian. He developed lung cancer and ultimately succumbed to it at his home in Polizzi Generosa, Sicily, Italy.
Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett
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Quando un grande artista vive dentro a un grande uomo la sua anima è destinata a rimanere eterna Grazie
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