Reni Santori from Dirty Harry and Enter Laughing fame has passed away at 81

Actor Reni Santoni, best known for starring in Carl Reiner’s semi-autobiographical film Enter Laughing and for playing Clint Eastwood’s young partner in Dirty Harry, has passed away.

The actor passed away on Saturday in Los Angeles, while in hospice care following years of health troubles, at the age of 81.

His death was confirmed by his friend, TV writer and musician Tracy Newman, via The Hollywood Reporter

R.I.P.: Actor Reni Santoni, best known for starring in Carl Reiner’s semi-autobiographical film Enter Laughing and for playing Clint Eastwood’s young partner in Dirty Harry, has passed away

Santoni was born April 21, 1939 in New York City, to a family of French and Spanish descent.

He started his career in entertainment as a comedy writer, and he wrote the off-Broadway play Raisin’ Hell in the Son that debuted in 1962.

Santoni ultimately transitioned to a performer, making his film debut in the 1962 movie Strangers In the City.  

Birth: Santoni was born April 21, 1939 in New York City, to a family of French and Spanish descent

Birth: Santoni was born April 21, 1939 in New York City, to a family of French and Spanish descent

He had a few small TV roles in East Side/West Side, The Trials of O’Brien, Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law and Look Up and Live, plus a small role in Sidney Lumet’s The Pawnbroker.

Santoni landed his breakthrough role in Enter Laughing as David Kolowitz, a young man from the Bronx determined to make it as an actor.

While the film, which Reiner directed based off his 1958 book, earned strong reviews some critics, including Roger Ebert, it was overly panned.

TV roles: He had a few small TV roles in East Side/West Side, The Trials of O'Brien, Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law and Look Up and Live, plus a small role in Sidney Lumet's The Pawnbroker

TV roles: He had a few small TV roles in East Side/West Side, The Trials of O’Brien, Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law and Look Up and Live, plus a small role in Sidney Lumet’s The Pawnbroker

Breakthrough: Santoni landed his breakthrough role in Enter Laughing as David Kolowitz, a young man from the Bronx determined to make it as an actor

Breakthrough: Santoni landed his breakthrough role in Enter Laughing as David Kolowitz, a young man from the Bronx determined to make it as an actor

His next major role came in 1971 as Chico Gonzalez in Dirty Harry, the rookie partner of Clint Eastwood’s Harry Callahan.

Gonzalez, who was branded as a ‘college boy’ for getting a degree in sociology, was paired with Callahan after his last partner was shot in the gut.

The actor also played Sylvester Stallone’s partner in his 1986 film Cobra and starred as Guns of the Magnificent Seven in 1969. 

Reni and Clint: His next major role came in 1971 as Chico Gonzalez in Dirty Harry, the rookie partner of Clint Eastwood's Harry Callahan

Reni and Clint: His next major role came in 1971 as Chico Gonzalez in Dirty Harry, the rookie partner of Clint Eastwood’s Harry Callahan

His other notable film roles include Anzio, The Student Nurses, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, Brewster’s Millions and Rain Man.

He also reunited with Reiner in 1982’s Dead Men Wear Plaid, alongside funnyman Steve Martin.

Santoni also became well known on the small screen in Sanchez of Bel Air at USA Network, which was integral in creating framework that lead to TV residuals for actors.

Reunited: He also reunited with Reiner in 1982's Dead Men Wear Plaid, alongside funnyman Steve Martin

Reunited: He also reunited with Reiner in 1982’s Dead Men Wear Plaid, alongside funnyman Steve Martin

Roles: His other notable film roles include Anzio, The Student Nurses, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, Brewster's Millions and Rain Man

Roles: His other notable film roles include Anzio, The Student Nurses, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, Brewster’s Millions and Rain Man

He also became well-known for his Seinfeld role as Poppie, a restaurant owner who had unsavory sanitation practices.

Santoni had been married to stage director Lisa James before becoming involved in a longtime romantic relationship with actress/director Betty Thomas.

He had roles in several of her directorial efforts including Only You, The Brady Bunch Movie, The Late Shift, Private Parts, Doctor Dolittle and 28 Days.

The actor is survived by his son Nick. 

Poppie: He also became well-known for his Seinfeld role as Poppie, a restaurant owner who had unsavory sanitation practices

Poppie: He also became well-known for his Seinfeld role as Poppie, a restaurant owner who had unsavory sanitation practices

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