Starting from middle couple (L to R)  Charlie and Ruthie with Richard's grandparents Anna & Alex at the original Copacabana at 10 E. 60th St. Original phone number Plaza 8-1060 . Price of photo $1.50.

The letter above started Richard D'Alessandro's training as an actor,written to Sanford Misner by Richards Paul Sorvino,to help Richard get into the Neighborhood Playhouse.The bottom letter Garry Marshall wrote, Mr. Marshall helped start Richards film career with "Frankie and Johnny".

Actor Richard D'Alessandro's first paying job as an actor in the role of Sonny in "Grease". $100.00 a week + room and board . He later went onto do another production of "Grease" as Danny Zuko. He bartended in between gigs.

Actors Richard D'Alessandro as Gino Cassesse and Isidra Vego  as Gina Cassesse sitting in between takes on he set of Law and Order (SVU).

Actor Richard D'Alessandro in between the sound boys on the set of Lou Diamond Phillips "Extreme Justice".

Actor Richard D'Alessandro left from Santa at the Court Street Theatre in NYC West Village . Richard did many productions of children's theatre. Great way to learn how to improv, working with kids.

One of Richard's first films "Rivals"  (Pictured Standing on stairs on the left)

Actor Richard D'Alessandro in South Africa, shooting a Commercial for New York Pizza . The girl is roller girl in the commercial .

From (L to R) Writer , director and producer Andrew Berman , actors Richard D'Alessandro and Marcella Moore At the NY premier of Andrew Bergman's "So Fine", Andrew did write the screen play for one of Richard's favorite film's Mel Brooks "Blazing Saddles.

From (L to R) Director, writer, producer , Andrew Bergman and Actor Richard D'Alessandro at the premier for Mr. Bergman's "So Fine" in NYC.

(L to R)1st. person (name unknown, Richard D'Alessandro, Marcela Moore, Jack Warden and Richards friend Vinnie Bove, at the premier of Ryan O'Neil's "So Fine" in NYC.

Actors Richard D'Alessandro and Chelsea Fields at Chelsea home for a dinner party she threw for few of the cast of Lou Diamond Phillips "Extreme Justice".That is a where's Waldo wig that Richrad has on.

Richard D'Alessandro (far left) as Bonzey in a Production of Lou LaRusso's  "Stoop Life".

From(L to R)Archie , Bubbles the monkey( Yes Michael Jackson monkey) and actor Richard D'Alessandro as Jughead. Hey, actor Brad Pitt dressed in a chicken custom. The things we do to get up the next rung in life and career.

(L to R) Navy buddies David Jardine and Richard. During his time in the Navy Richard logged in about 400 flight hours in the H-1 helicopter. In Pensacola on their way to TX. for training and to pick up 40 cases of Coors to fly back to home base.

New York Pizza commercial . Richard D'Alessandro as the mob boss. Richard spent 10 days in Amsterdam shooting.

From(L to R) Garry Marshall and Richard's Godfather Jimmy Anglisano. Garry and Jimmy had a comedy group called the Heartburns, during the Korean war. Garry is also responsible for starting Richard's career and wrote about Richard in "Wake Me When It's Funny".

Actors Richard D'Alessandro and Marcela Moore on the set of "Ragtime" as dancers in the ballroom scene . Starring the late great James Cagney . This scene was shot at an old hotel in NJ.

From left to right Richard D'Alessandro as Sonny Swag ,Bob Giovane and Audrey Marlyn  as Gracie in 'Marlon Brando Sat Right Here'.

From left to right around the table , Richard D'Alessandro, Steven Eads, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, Joel, Donny, Robert Eads at the Whiskey in Hollywood for Richards bachelor party.

Tom Hanks and Richard D'Alessandro in Forrest Gump (1994)

Left to right Richard D'Alessandro as Abbie Hoffman and Tom Hanks As "Forrest Gump." Two of greatest men in our history JFK and MLK stood years before. What an incredible shot.

On the set of Law and Order (SVU) Mariska Hargitay, Richard D'Alessandro as Gino Cassesse and Chris Meloni.

From Left to right the late great James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano , Joey Pantoliano as Ralph and Richard D'Alessandro as Dennis Capozza in the Sopranos.

Richard D'Alessandro as Gasper Digregorio in Godfather of Harlem.

Richard D'Alessandro as Gasper Digregorio and Bo Dietl as Lucchese in Godfather of Harlem.

Richard D'Alessandro in Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005)

Richard D'Alessandro in Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001)

Actors Vincent D'Onofrio as the Chin and Richard D'Alessandro as Digregorio in Godfather of Harlem. Working with Vincent was like being back in class with Sanford Meisner. Watching him work was a gift. Not only is he a great actor, he's also a good guy. I would work for free to work with him again but, don't tell anyone.

The Asphalt Cowboy Rides again. Who would think a boy from NYC could ride like I can. I'm sitting on Sunny, who gets her name from her yellow eyes. She stands there with such pride , as I sit on her and start to ride. As you look at her keep in mind we built this country on her ancestors spine. They were in all the wars, some carrying the flag as they rode with pride, men on their back's side by side, some made it home and some died. Never forget the history in my spirt, never forget the strength in our hearts.

As Don Gasper Digregorio head of the Bonanno family

As Gasper Digregorio in Godfather of Harlem

As Gasper Digregorio In Godfather of Harlem

Richard D'Alessandro as Gasper Digregorio in the Godfather of Harlem.

Meeting of the five NY families and Bumpy Johnson. From L to R- Richard D'Alessandro, Bo Dietl, Forest Whitaker and Arthur J. Nascarella in Godfather of Harlem, at Bamonte's restaurant.

Tom Hanks and Richard D'Alessandro On the set of Forrest Gump.

Richard D'Alessandro hair and makeup on the set of Just Wright

Left to right--Michael Pare', Richard D'Alessandro, Robert Mangiardi, the late Rickie Aiello and Sergio .

Richard D'Alessandro as Danny Zuko In Grease.

Kate Nelligan and Richard D'Alessandro on the set of Frankie and Johnny.

This is the photo that got the attention of cast director Ellen Lewis that lead him to his role as Abbie Hoffman in Forrest Gump. His many thanks to Ms. Lewis .

Laef to right--Richard D'Alessandro as Sonny Swag, Marc Figueroa and the late Tom Pedi In Marlon Brando Sat Right here, in a Louis Laruso Play. At the Actors Forum in LA.

(from L to R) Richard D'Alessandro, James Hayden and Al Pacino at the Kenndy Center in DC. Richard spent the weekend with his friend Jimmy while Jimmy was doing David Mamet's "American Buffalo".