Harvey Keitel

A legendary actor known for his intense, morally complex roles, Harvey Keitel navigates the shadows of Hollywood and life itself, embodying the tough guys and troubled souls that define modern cinema.

Born

May 13, 1939

From

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Also:
Producer

163

Credits on file

Decades active

Awards

Upcoming

In short · Acting since 1967, 7 decades active, 163 credits.

Known for

Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's credits in our database.

Now & next

2026
Upcoming
Kill Code
Jul 13
In the news
Harvey Keitel’s First Notable TV Appearance Was On “Dark Shadows”
“Before becoming a celebrated film actor, Harvey Keitel took an uncredited part in the 1966 episode of the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows. He appears briefly as a dancer at the Blue Whale bar in episode 33 of the series’ first season. The appearance is one of several early, minor roles Keitel held before his breakout film work with Martin Scorsese and later collaborations with directors such as Quentin Tarantino. Dark Shadows, known for its cult following and low‑budget production, aired over six seasons and remains a touchstone of 1960s horror television.”
Jul 5
In the news
Harvey Keitel Shoots Film Written by Wife, Comments on AI Danger
“Harvey Keitel is currently filming a new movie written by his wife, Daphna Kastner, which he described as a project that excites him. During his appearance at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Keitel discussed the potential dangers of AI, referencing the AI-narrated audiobook version of ‘The Odyssey’ featuring Michael Caine. He emphasized the importance of human involvement in creative processes. The film is part of Keitel’s ongoing work in the industry, with his presence at the festival highlighting his continued influence in cinema.”
Jul 3
In the news
Quiver Distribution Acquires Cyberpunk Thriller 'Kill Code'
“Quiver Distribution has acquired domestic rights to the cyberpunk action thriller 'Kill Code,' starring Frank Grillo, Tyrese Gibson, and Harvey Keitel. The film, written and directed by Justin Price, will be released on July 24. The deal was finalized at Cannes, with Voltage Pictures and The Exchange involved in the transaction. The film also features Franzi Schissler in a supporting role.”

Biography

Harvey Johannes Keitel (born May 13, 1939) is an American actor known for his portrayal of morally ambiguous and "tough guy" characters. He rose to prominence during the New Hollywood movement and has held a long-running association with director Martin Scorsese, starring in six of his films: *Who's That Knocking at My Door* (1967), *Mean Streets* (1973), *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore* (1974), *Taxi Driver* (1976), *The Last Temptation of Christ* (1988), and *The Irishman* (2019).

Keitel received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination for his portrayal of Mickey Cohen in *Bugsy* (1991). He won the AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for *The Piano* (1993). Other films include *Blue Collar* (1978), *Thelma & Louise* (1991), *Reservoir Dogs* (1992), *Bad Lieutenant* (1992), *Pulp Fiction* (1994), *From Dusk till Dawn* (1996), *Holy Smoke!* (1998), *Cop Land* (1997), and *Youth* (2015).

He has acted in the Wes Anderson films *Moonrise Kingdom* (2012), *The Grand Budapest Hotel* (2014), and *Isle of Dogs* (2018). He played FBI Agent Peter Sadusky in both *National Treasure* (2004) and *National Treasure: Book of Secrets* (2006), and reprised his role in the Disney+ series *National Treasure: Edge of History* (2022). From 1995 to 2017, he was a co-president of the Actors Studio, alongside Al Pacino and Ellen Burstyn.

Filmography · 146 of 146

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