A Brooklyn native ("14 Holy Martyrs" grade school), Ben continues the tradition of four generations of Sicilian bakers. A Vietnam vet and graduate of Univ. of Massachusetts, Boston (English Lit), he has studied Classic Noh theatre in Japan and holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Aikido. His film/tv character roles range from polka-dancing German restauranteurs to quirky Russian emigres, waterfront tough guys, Pakistani cabdrivers and, of course, Italians. His current passion is Argentine Tango.