David Proval - A Look At A Character Actor
When you think about faces that just stick with you from movies, even if you do not always know the name right away, David Proval might just pop into your mind. He is, you know, a performer who has really made a mark in the acting world, particularly with some very memorable parts that people talk about for quite a while. His work has, for many, become a sort of background fabric in some truly classic American films, leaving a real impression on viewers who enjoy a good story told on the screen.
This actor, David Proval, has, it seems, been a consistent presence in films and on television for a good many years now. He started his career, actually, with a very significant part in a film that many consider a touchstone for a certain kind of filmmaking, and he has, in a way, just kept going since then. It is pretty cool to see someone keep at their craft with such a steady pace over such a long span of time, really.
So, we are going to talk a little bit about David Proval, someone who, honestly, brings a certain kind of genuine feel to the characters he plays. We will look at some of the things that make his work stand out and where you might have seen him, or perhaps even where you can catch some of his performances if you are curious. It is, you know, always interesting to get to know more about the people who help bring stories to life for us.
Table of Contents
- A Glimpse into the Life of David Proval
- How Did David Proval Begin His Acting Path?
- What Roles Make David Proval Stand Out?
- Where Can You See David Proval's Work?
- What Makes David Proval a Notable Performer?
A Glimpse into the Life of David Proval
David Proval, a performer who has graced many screens, came into the world on May 20, 1942. He is, as a matter of fact, an American actor, someone who has spent a good deal of his professional life bringing different kinds of people to life in films and on television programs. His beginnings, you know, are rooted right here in the United States, specifically in a very well-known part of New York City. This background, perhaps, gives him a certain way of carrying himself, a particular kind of grit that can show up in his roles.
He was, quite literally, born and brought up in Brooklyn, New York, USA. That particular area, as many might tell you, has a very distinct character all its own, and it often shapes the people who grow up there. So, David Proval, someone who has made a career out of acting, has his roots firmly planted in that Brooklyn soil. This detail, you know, helps paint a picture of where he comes from and maybe, just maybe, how he developed his approach to playing different sorts of individuals in stories.
In terms of what he looks like, David Proval, the actor, stands at about 5 feet 7 inches. This bit of information gives you, more or less, a sense of his physical presence, which can, of course, be a part of how he is cast in different parts. It is, basically, a simple fact about his physical build, adding just a little bit more to the overall picture of the man who has spent so much time in front of the camera, giving performances for audiences.
Personal Details about David Proval
Here are some quick facts about David Proval, gathered from what we know:
Full Name | David Proval |
Date of Birth | May 20, 1942 |
Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Actor |
Height | About 5 feet 7 inches |
Known For Roles | Tony DeVienazo in Mean Streets (1973), Snooze in The Shawshank Redemption |
How Did David Proval Begin His Acting Path?
So, how did David Proval, a performer with a really long career, get his start in the world of acting? Well, his acting journey, you know, really took off with a very important part in a particular movie. This film, which came out in 1973, was called Mean Streets, and it was put together by a director named Martin Scorsese. It was, in a way, his big introduction to many people, showing what he could do on screen.
His career, as a matter of fact, began with this starring appearance in Mean Streets. That film, which has, of course, become quite well-known over the years, really put him on the map. Since that time, David Proval has, quite literally, been working without stopping. He has kept busy, moving from one acting job to the next, which is, you know, a pretty impressive feat for anyone in this line of work. It shows a real dedication to his craft, really.
The Early Days for David Proval
When David Proval first stepped onto the set of Mean Streets, it was, you could say, the start of something big for him. That film, directed by Martin Scorsese, gave him a very significant part, one that would, honestly, help define his early career. He was, in a way, right there at the beginning of a film that would go on to be considered a truly important piece of American cinema, and that is, you know, a pretty cool thing to be a part of. It set the stage for everything else that came after.
He was, in fact, working alongside some other actors who would also become very well-known, like Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel, in that 1973 movie. David Proval, in his role, brought what was, perhaps, needed for the character he was playing. Being in a film with such talented people, and having his own part contribute to the overall feel of the movie, really helped launch him forward. It was, basically, a strong start for someone who would keep working in the acting world for many, many years, showing his range and ability.
What Roles Make David Proval Stand Out?
So, when people talk about David Proval, what are the parts that truly make him stand out in their minds? He is, as we have talked about, most recognized for a couple of particular roles that have, honestly, left a lasting impression on moviegoers. These are the characters that, you know, often come up first when someone mentions his name, showing just how much they resonated with audiences who saw them. It is, really, a testament to his ability to bring these people to life on screen.
One of his most remembered roles is that of Tony DeVienazo in the Martin Scorsese film Mean Streets, which came out in 1973. This character, Tony, is, in some respects, a very important part of that movie's fabric. David Proval's performance in that role is, you could say, a key reason why many people remember him. It was, honestly, a very strong showing early in his career, and it really helped establish his presence as a performer capable of doing some memorable work.
Another part that David Proval is known for is his portrayal of a character named Snooze in a movie called The Shawshank Redemption. While that film is, of course, widely celebrated for many reasons, his appearance as Snooze is something that people also recall. It shows, you know, his ability to take on different kinds of parts in different sorts of films, even if one is a gritty crime story and the other is a powerful prison drama. He really does, it seems, have a knack for playing characters that stick with you.
David Proval and the Streets of New York
The film Mean Streets, where David Proval had such a significant part, is, you know, a classic American movie that many people still watch and talk about today. David Proval, as a costar in that film, has, it seems, had the chance to look back on his time making it. He has, apparently, reflected on what it was like to be part of creating such a well-regarded piece of cinema. That experience, you know, must have been quite something, being involved in a project that would go on to be so highly thought of by so many.
Being in a movie like Mean Streets, which is, honestly, a very raw and real portrayal of life in a certain part of New York, really showcased David Proval's talents. His character, Tony DeVienazo, is, basically, one of the central figures in that story. The way he brought that person to life on screen, working alongside other performers who would become very well-known, really cemented his place in film history. It is, in a way, a role that many people connect directly to his name, showing how impactful it was.
Other Memorable Turns for David Proval
Beyond his work in Mean Streets, David Proval has, as we mentioned, also been recognized for his part as Snooze in The Shawshank Redemption. This role, while perhaps not as large as his part in the Scorsese film, still left an impression on those who saw it. It just goes to show, you know, that even smaller parts can be truly memorable when a performer brings a certain something to them. He really has a way of making his characters feel genuine, even if they are only on screen for a little while.
His work has, honestly, spanned a good number of years, and he has taken on many different kinds of roles in both movies and television programs. The fact that he has been working nonstop since his early days in film, is, you know, pretty telling. It suggests that he is someone who is consistently sought after for his acting abilities, and that he has, basically, a knack for fitting into various sorts of stories and bringing characters to life in a way that resonates with people watching. That is, truly, a mark of a dedicated performer.
Where Can You See David Proval's Work?
So, if you are interested in seeing more of David Proval's performances, where exactly can you find his movies and television appearances? You can, in fact, look up a full list of the films and TV shows he has been in throughout his career. This kind of list is, you know, a good way to get a complete picture of all the different projects he has worked on over the years. It really helps you see the breadth of his acting journey, from his very first roles to his more recent ones.
It is, basically, possible to find places where you can watch David Proval's latest films and television programs. These days, there are, of course, many ways to stream or view content, so finding his work is, you know, usually not too difficult. If you are curious about what he has been up to, or if you want to revisit some of his older, well-known parts, a quick search for where to watch his content will, more or less, point you in the right direction. He has, after all, been in quite a few productions over his long career.
Finding David Proval on Screen
To really get a sense of David Proval as an actor, you might want to, you know, check out some of his performances. His role in Mean Streets is, honestly, a very strong starting point, as it is one of his most recognized and significant parts. Seeing him in that film, particularly alongside the other well-known actors, gives you a good feel for his early work and what made him stand out. It is, basically, a key piece of his professional story, and many consider it a very strong showing for him.
Then, if you are looking for something a bit different, catching him in The Shawshank Redemption as Snooze also shows another side of his acting abilities. It is, you know, a smaller part, but it is still one that people remember. So, whether you are interested in his early, gritty roles or his later appearances, there are, as a matter of fact, many opportunities to see David Proval in action. His career, it seems, has been quite varied, giving him a chance to show different facets of his acting skill.
What Makes David Proval a Notable Performer?
So, what is it about David Proval that makes him, you know, a performer people remember and talk about? It is, perhaps, his consistent presence in films and television, often in roles that, honestly, feel very real and grounded. He has, basically, a way of bringing a certain kind of authenticity to the people he plays, making them feel like individuals you might actually encounter. That kind of genuine quality is, you know, something that really helps an actor stand out in a crowd.
His work, particularly in films like Mean Streets, has, in some respects, become a part of the fabric of American cinema. The fact that he launched his career with such a powerful role and has, literally, been working without stopping since then, speaks volumes about his dedication and talent. He is, you know, someone who clearly loves what he does, and that passion often comes through in his performances. It is, basically, what helps him create characters that audiences connect with, even if for just a little while.
He has, after all, been in a good number of productions, and his ability to play different sorts of characters, from the tough guys of New York to other kinds of people, shows a good range. The fact that he was born and brought up in Brooklyn, New York, USA, might also, you know, give him a certain edge or a particular understanding of the kinds of characters he often portrays. It is, really, all part of what makes David Proval a performer who has, honestly, left his mark on the screen for many years.
The Staying Power of David Proval
The ability of David Proval to keep working in the acting world for so long, ever since his big break in Mean Streets, is, you know, quite something. It shows that he is someone who consistently delivers, someone who directors and casting people want to have in their projects. That kind of staying power in a field that can be, honestly, very unpredictable, is a real sign of a solid performer. He has, basically, managed to maintain a steady career, which is, in some respects, a true accomplishment.
His roles, especially the ones he is most known for, like Tony DeVienazo and Snooze, have, more or less, become iconic in their own ways. These are characters that, you know, people recall and discuss, even years after the films first came out. David Proval's ability to bring these people to life, to make them feel believable and impactful, is, honestly, what gives his performances their lasting quality. He really does have a way of making his presence felt on screen, no matter the size of the part.

Is Michelangelo's 'David' really perfection personified? | Modern
/David_SM_Maggiore-5797d2fb5f9b58461f588fdb.jpg)
Biography of King David, Biblical Jewish Leader

Today in History, September 8, 1504: Michelangelo's David statue unveiled