---
name: "Vincent Schiavelli"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/vincent-schiavelli"
fi1m_id: "vincent-schiavelli"
imdb_id: "nm0001704"
tmdb_id: 3418
wikidata_id: "Q333190"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "11 November 1948"
died: "26 December 2005"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 10
average_fi1m_score: 80
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 10
updated: "2026-09-20T09:08:56.660320+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Vincent Schiavelli

## Identity

Vincent Schiavelli

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/vincent-schiavelli
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** vincent-schiavelli
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001704
- **TMDB ID:** 3418
- **Wikidata ID:** Q333190
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_Schiavelli, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q333190, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001704/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3418

Actor. Born 11 November 1948 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Died 26 December 2005.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 11 November 1948, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- **Died:** 26 December 2005
- **Active:** 1975–1997
- **Also known as:** Vince Schiavelli, Vincent Andrew Schiavelli, وینسنت شیاولی
- **Average Fi1m score:** 80, as actor, over 10 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 84 (2), 1980s 81 (4), 1990s 77 (4)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 80 to 73 across 8 titles
- **Score spread:** 8 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 5 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 7, Fantasy 3, Romance 3, Action 2, Comedy 2, Crime 2
- **Screen time:** 16 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,378m across 8 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_Schiavelli, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q333190, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001704/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3418

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Batman Returns*](https://film.one/film/batman-returns.md) (81)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Ghost*](https://film.one/film/ghost.md) (80)
- **AMC+:** [*Fast Times at Ridgemont High*](https://film.one/film/fast-times-at-ridgemont-high.md) (70)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Vincent Schiavelli

> Vincent Schiavelli could look unsettling before he had said a word, but we value him for more than a memorable face. His supporting eccentrics worked best when the film gave them something useful to do.

Schiavelli's tall, gaunt figure and drooping eyes made him immediately recognisable in a crowd. In Jerry Zucker's *Ghost* (1990), he plays the Subway Ghost, an unlikely teacher. We enjoyed his teaching scenes because watching a ghost explain how things work gives the supernatural story a welcome practical turn. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore make the romance affecting, but its plot repeatedly tests our willingness to believe it. Schiavelli gives us a small, concrete reason to stay with the film.

His film career began with Miloš Forman's *Taking Off* (1971), followed by the breakthrough supporting role of Bruce Frederickson in *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest* (1975). Forman directed him in five films, including *Amadeus* (1984), in which he played Salieri's valet. That repeated employment makes sense: Schiavelli was good at making a small part count in an ensemble. Supporting roles remained the basis of his work across film and television.

In Tim Burton's *Batman Returns* (1992), he plays the Organ Grinder, a henchman. It is a good fit, though this is also the sort of casting that can reduce him to an unusual face in an already crowded film. We rate the film for its dark humour and elaborate design despite the untidy plotting; Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito have the substantial villainous parts. Schiavelli belongs in that company, but the part gives us less reason than *Ghost* to look beyond his appearance.

Typecasting was the limit, and a memorable appearance could become an excuse not to write him much of a character. We do not need to imagine a thwarted leading man to take his supporting work seriously. We do want the films to give him something to do once he has caught our attention. Start with *Ghost*, where his ability to teach is at least as important as his ability to unsettle.

## Biography

Vincent Schiavelli (1948–2005) was an American character actor noted for numerous supporting roles in film and television. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he studied acting at New York University and began performing on stage in the 1960s. He attributed his height and distinctive appearance to Marfan syndrome, of which he was an honorary co-chair of the National Marfan Foundation.

Schiavelli appeared in Miloš Forman films including *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest* (1975) as Bruce Fredrickson and *Amadeus* (1984) as Salieri's valet. He played the Subway Ghost in *Ghost* (1990) and the Organ Grinder in *Batman Returns* (1992), and had roles in *Tomorrow Never Dies* (1997), *Man on the Moon* (1999) and episodes of *The X-Files*, *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and *Star Trek: The Next Generation*.

In addition to acting, Schiavelli was a food writer. He authored three cookbooks and received the James Beard Foundation Journalism Award in 2001.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (10)

- *Tomorrow Never Dies* (1997), Fi1m 64, as Dr. Kaufman — [page](https://film.one/film/tomorrow-never-dies.md)
- *A Little Princess* (1995), Fi1m 84, as Mr. Barrow — [page](https://film.one/film/a-little-princess.md)
- *Batman Returns* (1992), Fi1m 81, as Organ Grinder — [page](https://film.one/film/batman-returns.md)
- *Ghost* (1990), Fi1m 80, as Subway Ghost — [page](https://film.one/film/ghost.md)
- *Amadeus* (1984), Fi1m 91, as Salieri's Valet — [page](https://film.one/film/amadeus.md)
- *Miami Vice* (1984), Fi1m 81, as Lawrence Fowler — [page](https://film.one/tv/miami-vice.md)
- *Cagney & Lacey* (1982), Fi1m 81, as Obie / Vincent Mongoose — [page](https://film.one/tv/cagney-and-lacey.md)
- *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* (1982), Fi1m 70, as Mr. Vargas — [page](https://film.one/film/fast-times-at-ridgemont-high.md)
- *An Unmarried Woman* (1978), Fi1m 82, as Man at Party — [page](https://film.one/film/an-unmarried-woman.md)
- *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest* (1975), Fi1m 86, as Bruce Fredrickson — [page](https://film.one/film/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest.md)

## Complete filmography (138)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Magic Island* (2017), as Sé stesso (materiale d'archivio)
- *Oliviero Rising* (2009), as Albino
- *Golden Door* (2006), as Don Luigi
- *Miracolo a Palermo!* (2005), as Federico II
- *La bambina dalle mani sporche* (2005), series, as Silvia Roibes
- *Baadasssss!* (2004), as Jerry
- *Tomb of Terror* (2004), as Specs
- *The Undesirables* (2003), as Frank Frigenti
- *Maximum Surge* (2003), as Hellman
- *Baggage* (2003), as Thomas Horelick (Blind Man)
- *Ferrari* (2003), as Mr. Paradise
- *Ferrari* (2003), series, as Mr. Wilbur Paradise
- *The 4th Tenor* (2002), as Marcello
- *Solino* (2002), as Regisseur Baldi
- *Hey Arnold! The Movie* (2002), as Mr. Bailey (voice)
- *Death to Smoochy* (2002), as Buggy Ding Dong
- *Snow White* (2001), as Wednesday
- *American Saint* (2001), as Charley Grebbini
- *The Pooch and the Pauper* (2000), as Willy Wishbow
- *American Virgin* (2000), as Cab Driver
- *Man on the Moon* (1999), as Maynard Smith
- *The Prince and the Surfer* (1999), as Baumgarten
- *Love Kills* (1999), as Emmet
- *Inferno* (1999), as Mr. Singh
- *Heat Vision and Jack* (1999), as Frank
- *Milo* (1998), as Dr. Matthew Jeeder M.D.
- *Rusty: A Dog's Tale* (1998), as Carney Boss
- *Casper Meets Wendy* (1998), as Vincent
- *Restons groupés* (1998), as Gary
- *Tomorrow Never Dies* (1997), as Dr. Kaufman — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/tomorrow-never-dies.md)
- *Dharma & Greg* (1997), series, as Mr. Cutler
- *George & Leo* (1997), series, Actor
- *Perversions of Science* (1997), series, as Scientist
- *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (1997), series, as Uncle Enyos — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/buffy-the-vampire-slayer.md)
- *The Beautician and the Beast* (1997), as Jailer
- *The People vs. Larry Flynt* (1996), as Chester
- *Hey Arnold! Arnold's Christmas* (1996), as Mr. Bailey (voice)
- *Hey Arnold!* (1996), series, as Mr. Bailey (voice), Pigeon Man (voice)
- *Sabrina, the Teenage Witch* (1996), series, as Pastor
- *Bone Chillers* (1996), series, as Dr. Hyde
- *Back to Back* (1996), as Leonardo
- *Two Much* (1995), as Sommelier
- *Baywatch Nights* (1995), series, as Game Master
- *The Courtyard* (1995), as Ivan
- *Lord of Illusions* (1995), as Vinovich
- *A Little Princess* (1995), as Mr. Barrow — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/a-little-princess.md)
- *Escape to Witch Mountain* (1995), as Waldo Fudd
- *3 Ninjas Knuckle Up* (1995), as The Mayor
- *The Whipping Boy* (1994), as Cutwater
- *Lurking Fear* (1994), as Knaggs
- *Painted Desert - TUFF Theatrical Edition* (1994), as Harry
- *The X-Files* (1993), series, as Lanny — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md)
- *Living and Working in Space: The Countdown Has Begun* (1993), as Miner
- *Highlander: The Series* (1992), series, as Leo Atkins
- *Miracle Beach* (1992), as Mystic
- *Batman: The Animated Series* (1992), series, as Zatara (voice)
- *Melrose Place* (1992), series, as Orderly
- *Batman Returns* (1992), as Organ Grinder — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/batman-returns.md)
- *Eerie, Indiana* (1991), series, as Dr. Eukanuba
- *Ted & Venus* (1991), as Publisher
- *Another You* (1991), as Dentist
- *Harry and the Hendersons* (1991), series, as Nic
- *Shades of L.A.* (1990), series, Actor
- *Playroom* (1990), as Roman Hart
- *Parker Lewis Can't Lose* (1990), series, as Guy Zapoleon
- *Ghost* (1990), as Subway Ghost — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/ghost.md)
- *Waiting for the Light* (1990), as Mullins
- *Mr. Frost* (1990), as Angelo, desk clerk
- *Valmont* (1989), as Jean
- *Homer and Eddie* (1989), as Priest
- *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as Robert
- *Cold Feet* (1989), as Vet
- *Dorf and the First Games of Mount Olympus* (1988), as Leonard
- *Time Out* (1988), as Receptionist
- *Star Trek: The Next Generation* (1987), series, as The Peddler — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-the-next-generation.md)
- *Bride of Boogedy* (1987), as Lazarus
- *Dorf On Golf* (1987), as Leonard
- *The Bronx Zoo* (1987), series, Actor
- *Fast Times* (1986), series, as Mr. Hector Vargas
- *Matlock* (1986), series, as Julian
- *Shadow Chasers* (1985), series, as Theo
- *MacGyver* (1985), series, as Lyle
- *Better Off Dead...* (1985), as Mr. Kerber
- *Moonlighting* (1985), series, as Rodney Dillon — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/moonlighting.md)
- *Lots of Luck* (1985), as Skinny
- *Otherworld* (1985), series, as Pango
- *Johnny Dangerously* (1984), as Maroni's Building Planner (uncredited)
- *The Ratings Game* (1984), as Skip
- *Amadeus* (1984), as Salieri's Valet — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/amadeus.md)
- *Miami Vice* (1984), series, as Lawrence Fowler — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/miami-vice.md)
- *Punky Brewster* (1984), series, as Mr. Pieces
- *The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension* (1984), as John O'Connor
- *Crazy Dan* (1984), series, as Fields
- *Pinocchio* (1984), as The Priest
- *Kidco* (1984), as Phil Porzinski
- *Night Court* (1984), series, as Peter DeMarco
- *Hardcastle and McCormick* (1983), series, as Fix Henderson
- *Likely Stories, Vol. 4* (1983), as Bruno the Ice Cream Guy
- *Remington Steele* (1982), series, as Leon Pulver
- *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, as Priest
- *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* (1982), as Mr. Vargas — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/fast-times-at-ridgemont-high.md)
- *Night Shift* (1982), as Carl
- *Cagney & Lacey* (1982), series, as Obie / Vincent Mongoose — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/cagney-and-lacey.md)
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Sick-of-It-All
- *The Luck of Roaring Camp* (1982), as Steptoe
- *The Fall Guy* (1981), series, Actor
- *Chu Chu and the Philly Flash* (1981), as B.J.
- *Comedy of Horrors* (1981), as Gregory
- *American Pop* (1981), as Theatre Owner (voice)
- *Foul Play* (1981), series, Actor
- *Seed of Innocence* (1980), as Leo
- *Nightside* (1980), as Tom Adams
- *The Gong Show Movie* (1980), as Mario Romani
- *The Return* (1980), as Prospector
- *White Mama* (1980), as Medic
- *Escape* (1980), as J.W. White
- *Knots Landing* (1979), series, as Mr. Keener
- *Hart to Hart* (1979), series, as The Beret
- *The Frisco Kid* (1979), as Brother Bruno
- *Butch and Sundance: The Early Days* (1979), as Guard
- *Rescue from Gilligan's Island* (1978), as Dimitri
- *WKRP in Cincinnati* (1978), series, as Don Pesola #1
- *Taxi* (1978), series, as Reverend Gorky — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/taxi.md)
- *An Unmarried Woman* (1978), as Man at Party — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/an-unmarried-woman.md)
- *Another Man, Another Chance* (1977), as Train Traveler (uncredited)
- *Arthur Hailey's The Moneychangers* (1976), series, as Donniger (uncredited), Donniger
- *Charlie's Angels* (1976), series, as Freddie
- *The Selling of Vince D'Angelo* (1976), as Vince's Right Hand Man
- *Angels* (1976), as Tex
- *Next Stop, Greenwich Village* (1976), as Party Guest (uncredited)
- *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest* (1975), as Bruce Fredrickson — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest.md)
- *Starsky & Hutch* (1975), series, as Weeze
- *The Happy Hooker* (1975), as Music Guru
- *For Pete's Sake* (1974), as Check Out Man
- *The Great Gatsby* (1974), as Thin Man (uncredited)
- *The Corner Bar* (1972), series, Actor
- *Taking Off* (1971), as Schiavelli
- *The Wonderful World of Disney* (1954), series, as Lazarus

## Gallery

- ![Vincent Schiavelli](https://film.one/media/person/77522/gallery-db9f3c2e6b41.jpg) Vincent Schiavelli — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Vincent_Schiavelli%2C_1987_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Vincent Schiavelli and Allyce Beasley on the red carpet at the 39th Annual Emmy Awards, September 20, 1987.](https://film.one/media/person/77522/gallery-5c79b99dd075.jpg) Vincent Schiavelli and Allyce Beasley on the red carpet at the 39th Annual Emmy Awards, September 20, 1987. — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Schiavelli1987.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Vincent Schiavelli and Allyce Beasley on the red carpet at the 39th Annual Emmy Awards, September 20, 1987.](https://film.one/media/person/77522/gallery-965454d0c920.jpg) Vincent Schiavelli and Allyce Beasley on the red carpet at the 39th Annual Emmy Awards, September 20, 1987. — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/Vincent_Schiavelli%2C_Allyce_Beasley_1987.jpg/1280px-Vincent_Schiavelli%2C_Allyce_Beasley_1987.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Vincent Schiavelli tombstone in Polizzi Generosa (PA), Sicily. The famous American actor died in Polizzi Generosa, his ancestors' birthplace, on December 26th, ](https://film.one/media/person/77522/gallery-527bdc4c22ef.jpg) Vincent Schiavelli tombstone in Polizzi Generosa (PA), Sicily. The famous American actor died in Polizzi Generosa, his ancestors' birthplace, on December 26th,  — User:Durisi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Vincent_Schiavelli_tumbstone_in_Polizzi_Generosa_Sicily_.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Vincent Schiavelli](https://film.one/media/person/77522/gallery-e1b81b207cca.jpg) Vincent Schiavelli — Image via TMDB

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© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/vincent-schiavelli