You may not immediately recognize the name Chuck Low, but if you’re a fan of Martin Scorsese’s 1990 cinematic classic Goodfellas, then you’ll almost certainly recognize his face.
Low memorably portrayed the hapless wig shop proprietor Morrie, a man whose pursuit of organized crime as a hobby led to disastrous consequences.
It’s being reported today that Low passed away September 18 at the age of 89.
But despite the many travails endured by his most famous character, Low is probably best remembered for his ability to find the humor in what’s since become an iconic role.
As many fans of his best-loved performance are learning today, Low was a one-of-a-kind character in real life, as well – an outsize personality who lived the kind of story one might find in a film by the director who put him on screen.
Despite never demonstrating any Hollywood ambitions, Low began working as an actor in the 1983 Scorsese-Robert DeNiro collaboration King of Comedy.
Low, a Manhattan real estate developer became friends with DeNiro after renting an apartment to the screen legend.
DeNiro was so impressed by Low’s easy charm and boundless energy that he convinced his landlord to give acting a shot at the age of 55.
Low went on to appear in several more films with DeNiro, including Once Upon a Time in America, The Mission and Sleepers.
But it was in Goodfellas that Low made his most lasting impression, delivering some of the film’s most oft-quoted lines such as “What am I? A schmuck on wheels?”
A scene in which DeNiro chokes Low with a phone cord, knocking off his vaunted wig in the process, is frequently cited as the film’s comedic high point.
Low reportedly passed away at nursing home.
As a 30-year military veteran, he was buried with full military honors.
Low is the third prominent Godfellas collaborator to pass away in the past year.
Actor Frank Vincent died last month, and esteemed cinematographer Michael Ballhaus passed back in April.
Our thoughts go out to the Low family during this difficult time.
The actor may not have been a household name, but he left behind a body of work that will be enjoyed by film buffs for generations to come.
