Daniel J. Travanti, a highly acclaimed actor, was born Danielo Giovanni Travanty on March 7, 1940, in Wisconsin, but spent his early years in Iowa before returning to his native state.
As the youngest son of an American Motors auto worker, Travanti showcased both athletic and academic prowess in high school, excelling on the football and debate teams.
During his studies at the University of Wisconsin, Travanti developed a strong interest in drama, appearing in numerous college plays and eventually turning down top football scholarships to pursue his acting dream.
After training at the Yale School of Drama, Travanti made his stage debut as a messenger in the New York Shakespeare Festival's production of "Othello" starring James Earl Jones.
He went on to co-star in a touring company of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in 1965, and later returned to Shakespeare in a bigger role in 1977 as Petruchio in "The Taming of the Shrew."
National tours of "Twigs" (1972) and "I Never Sang for My Father" (1987) highlighted his theatrical career.
In the late 1960s, Travanti relocated to Los Angeles, appearing in a string of TV roles and films, including his debut in the sordid stalker drama "Who Killed Teddy Bear" (1965) starring Sal Mineo and Juliet Prowse.
Travanti's breakthrough role came in 1981 when he was cast as Captain Frank Furillo in the classic drama "Hill Street Blues," earning him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
This major showcase led to a host of highly acclaimed TV mini-movies, including "Adam" (1983),"Murrow" (1986),and "My Name Is Kate" (1994).
Avoiding the limelight, Travanti focused on theater endeavors, finding major stage roles in London and on Broadway.
In recent years, Travanti has returned to guest dramatics on TV and medical shows, and has sporadically filmed in various projects, including the romantic film comedy "One Small Hitch" (2013).
Person Biography:
Daniel J. Travanti was born on March 7, 1940, in Wisconsin, USA.
