David Proval, the talented son of actress Clara Katz, first stepped into the spotlight in 1973 with a memorable onscreen debut alongside Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro in the coming-of-age crime drama Mean Streets. From that moment on, David Proval began carving out a unique niche in Hollywood. Over the years, David Proval took on a variety of intense roles, often portraying gritty characters like thugs and inmates in serious films such as Shakedown (1988) and the beloved classic The Shawshank Redemption. Yet, David Proval wasn’t limited to dramatic fare—his versatility truly shone through in comedy. He even lent his expertise behind the scenes, working as Eddie Murphy’s acting coach during the filming of 48 Hrs., while also appearing in hilarious projects like UHF, Four Rooms, Balls of Fury, and The Brady Bunch Movie.
What really set David Proval apart was his wide expressive range—from moments of gentle warmth to explosive intensity. This depth came to life most notably in his chilling portrayal of Richie Aprile, a ruthless Mafia capo, on the critically acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos. Though David Proval initially missed out on the lead role—eventually going to James Gandolfini—his strong and well-established career made him a perfect fit for the powerful supporting part. Before The Sopranos, David Proval had already built an impressive television resume, with guest spots on popular shows like Knight Rider and Picket Fences. And in a clever twist of typecasting, David Proval playfully embraced his Italian-American image with a recurring comedic role as an overprotective father on the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, proving once again that David Proval could master both drama and laughs with equal skill.
When it comes to David Proval’s filmography, one standout performance that really shines is in James Dean (2001), which happens to be his highest rated movie. It’s clear that David Proval brought a lot of depth and nuance to that role, earning both critical praise and audience appreciation. On the other end of the spectrum, David Proval also appeared in Angels With Angles (2005), a film that didn’t quite resonate as strongly—landing as his lowest rated movie to date. While every actor has their hits and misses, David Proval’s range across these projects still shows his dedication to the craft. Overall, David Proval continues to leave a mark, even when the material varies in quality.