Joe Santos
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Joe Santos (born June 9, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York, USA) is an American film and television actor. He is best known for his role in the 1970s television series The Rockford Files as James Garner's friend and officer, Det. Dennis Becker; in the 1990s, he reprised this role in several made-for-television Rockford Files movies. His other well known TV role is in the 1980s TV series Hardcastle and McCormick as Lieutenant Frank Harper. He also starred opposite Melissa Michaelsen in the short lived series Me and Maxx. Santos had a recurring role in the HBO hit tv series The Sopranos as Angelo Garepe.
Santos has had featured roles in many films; his best known film roles include appearances in Shaft's Big Score! (1972), Blue Thunder (1983), Revenge (1990), and the 1991 action/drama film The Last Boy Scout as Lieutenant Benjamin Bessalo.
Santos has made many guest appearances on TV shows, including Police Story, Barnaby Jones, Hill Street Blues, The A-Team, Magnum PI, Quantum Leap and NYPD Blue.
A particularly interesting appearance was on the short-lived series Bakersfield, P.D.. Santos played himself, and was the victim of car thieves. However, the officers on duty were so awed by "Jim Rockford's friend," that they were unable to solve the crime and Santos ended up having to find the thieves himself.
Santos' real last name is Menieri, making him presumably of Italian origin.
[edit] Selected filmography
- The Man from Elysian Fields (2001)
- Auggie Rose (2000)
- The Education of Allison Tate (1986)
- Fear City (1984)
- Zandy's Brider (1974)
- Moonlighting Wives (1966)
- Flesh and Lace (1964)
