1940 – Worked as a newspaper vendor and shoeshine boy at the Grand Central Station.

1946 – Joined the National Guard at the young age of 13.

1948 – Attended James Monroe High School in New York.

1951 – Submitted false documents to be able to join the Army.

1957 – 1967 – Became the youngest elected president of Loacal 1202 of the Amalgamated Transit Union.

1972 – Worked as a substitue emcee and a full-time bouncer at a comedy club in New York.

1973 – Appeared in the film, "Bang the Drum Slowly" as his debut.

1975 – Appeared in "Lamppost Reunion" as his Broadway debut.

1981 – Played the part of a sadistic cop in the film, "Fort Apache, the Bronx".

1985 – Included in the cast in the cop thriller film, "The Protetor".

1987 – Played the part of Cher’s fiance in the film "Moonstruck".

1989 – Played the part of the detective in the "The Preppie Murder" and portrayed Sal, the owner of a Brooklyn pizza parlor in the film "Do the Right Thing".

1991 – Played the part of the sidekick of Bruce Willis in "Hudson Hawk".

1997 – One of the executive producer and starred in CBS drama series "Dellaventura".

2005 – Included in the cast of the film "Brooklyn Lobster".