Home> Facts and Trivia > Stars > Frank Puglia
Frank Puglia Facts
| Sign | Pisces |
| Born |
Mar 9, 1892 Sicily, Italy |
| Died |
Oct 25, 1975 South Pasadena, CA |
| Age | Died at 83 |
| Total Facts | 4 |
Claimed to have learned English primarily from reading the newspapers.
Had a memorable bit as a Morroccan rug merchant who marks down prices to friends of Rick (Humphrey Bogart) in the classic film Casablanca (1942).
Originally cast as Bonasera the undertaker in 'The Godfather' (1972) , but illness forced him to withdraw from the role shortly before shooting began. He was replaced by Salvatore Corsitto.
Was performing as Pierre Forchard in a stage revival of "The Two Orphans" when he was noticed by D.W. Griffith. He hired Puglia to repeat his role in the film version retitled Orphans of the Storm (1921) starring the Gish sisters. His character dies in the original story, but audiences were so negative that Griffith had him retake the fade-out in which he survives.