Early Life and Background

Harvey Keitel was born on May 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York City. He is the son of Miriam Klein, a homemaker, and Harry Keitel, a hat maker. Raised in a Jewish household, Keitel grew up in Brighton Beach and attended Abraham Lincoln High School.

Breakthrough with Scorsese and Emergence in American Cinema

Keitel began gaining recognition in the 1970s through his influential collaborations with director Martin Scorsese. He starred in Mean Streets (1973), one of Scorsese's earliest successes, and followed it up with a pivotal role in Taxi Driver (1976). These performances established him as a versatile and intense method actor, capable of portraying complex, morally ambiguous characters.

Collaborations with Acclaimed Directors

Beyond Scorsese, Keitel has worked with several notable directors. He played leading roles in Ridley Scott’s debut film The Duellists (1977) and later appeared in Thelma & Louise (1991). His career enjoyed a resurgence in the 1990s through frequent collaborations with Quentin Tarantino. Keitel starred in Reservoir Dogs (1992) and had a memorable role in Pulp Fiction (1994) as Winston "The Wolf" Wolfe.

In 1996, he appeared in Robert Rodriguez’s cult horror-action film From Dusk Till Dawn, further showcasing his adaptability across genres. He also appeared in works by directors like Wes Anderson, including The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) and the animated feature Isle of Dogs (2018).

Method Acting and the Actors Studio

Harvey Keitel is widely regarded as one of the foremost method actors of his generation. Known for his intense preparation and emotional authenticity, his performances often display a high degree of psychological depth. In recognition of his commitment to the craft, Keitel serves as co-president of the Actors Studio, alongside Al Pacino and Ellen Burstyn. The Actors Studio is a prestigious organization dedicated to the advancement of method acting and dramatic arts.