Biography

Andy Davoli is an Italian-American actor, writer, and producer whose career has been defined by intensity, wit, and a distinctive screen presence. A native of Syracuse, Davoli began performing as a child in local theater and youth summer arts programs, where he first explored clown performance, physical comedy, and character work. He later studied theater at Villanova University under Fr. Peter Donohue, O.S.A., appearing in several stage productions in Philadelphia that helped shape his early foundation as an actor.

Discovered by filmmaker James Gray, Davoli made his feature film debut alongside Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, and James Caan in The Yards. He soon followed with Martin Scorsese’s Bringing Out the Dead and later appeared opposite Al Pacino in People I Know. His breakout role came as Chris Scarpa in Knockaround Guys alongside Vin Diesel, Barry Pepper, and John Malkovich.

In New York theater, Davoli appeared in productions of The Indian Wants the Bronx and Hurlyburly, further developing the emotionally grounded intensity that would become a hallmark of his work. He later gained wider recognition when David Chase wrote the role of Dino Zerilli for him on The Sopranos. His featured episode, "Amour Fou," culminated in one of the series’ most explosive gunfights and earned James Gandolfini an Emmy Award.

Davoli continued his film work with the Russo Brothers, playing ensemble lead Basil in Welcome to Collinwood opposite Sam Rockwell, George Clooney, and Gabrielle Union. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and filmmaker David Mamet later cast Davoli opposite Val Kilmer in Spartan.

His television credits include 24, CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, Burn Notice, and Lucifer. On HBO’s Golden Globe-nominated Warm Springs, he portrayed Jake Perini opposite Kenneth Branagh and Cynthia Nixon. His work in fashion includes a Dolce & Gabbana campaign with Gisele Bündchen photographed by Steven Meisel.

In the interactive space, Davoli has contributed voice and performance capture to Rockstar Games’ L.A. Noire, Medal of Honor, and Mafia III.

Recent work includes The Break-Up Pill, directed by Tom Arnold, and a multi-film arc as news anchor Elijah Enoch in Stiletto, If It Bleeds, and Sweetest Day, with Stiletto presented by Eli Roth.

Committed to the ongoing study of the craft, Davoli continues to work with acting teacher Tony Greco in the Strasberg tradition, focusing on sensory work, emotional truth, and psychological depth while studying scenes and roles from classic American playwrights including Arthur Miller and Eugene O’Neill.

Davoli is currently writing, producing, and starring in Laz, a deeply personal feature film exploring legacy, identity, faith, and redemption within an Italian-American family dynasty.
- IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous

I've always felt like an outsider, a pariah of sorts. Becoming an actor saved my life.

I'm not looking to define my life or label it. I want to experience it.

As an actor you have to abolish caution. You're cutting a path to an artistic destination which basically has no road map, no direction, no one to lead the way. I'm not comfortable unless I'm risking.