Joe De Santis

Joseph Vito Marcello De Santis, better known as Joe De Santis, was an American actor whose career spanned the golden age of radio, the rise of television, and the classic era of Hollywood cinema. Born on June 15, 1909, in New York City, he was the son of Italian immigrants—father Pasquale, a tailor from San Pietro Apostolo in Catanzaro, and mother Maria Paoli, who emigrated from Lucca, Tuscany, and worked in a paper‑flower factory. He earned a scholarship to New York University, where he studied sculpture and drama while supporting himself with odd jobs, and his first public performances were delivered in Italian for community audiences. In 1931 he made his debut as a broadcaster on an Italian‑language radio station, quickly becoming a familiar voice in programs such as Pepper Young's Family, Mr. District Attorney, The March of Time, Gang Busters, and The Kate Smith Show. One of his most celebrated contributions was the narration of Norman Corwin’s “On a Note of Triumph,” a broadcast that reached the nation at the end of World War II and cemented his reputation as a compelling storyteller. During the 1930s he also served as an instructor for the Works Progress Administration, helping to train a new generation of performers when professional acting opportunities were scarce. With the advent of television, De Santis proved himself a versatile character actor, adept at portraying dialect‑rich personalities, suave heavies, and emotional leads; he appeared on Playhouse 90, Studio One, Sheriff of Cochise, and became a recurring presence on series such as The Untouchables, 77 Sunset Strip, Perry Mason, Mission: Impossible, Sugarfoot, Daniel Boone, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and many others. His film career peaked in 1962 with a leading role in A Cold Wind in August, and he also contributed memorable performances to I Want to Live! and The Brotherhood. An active member of both the Players' Club in New York and the Masquers' Club in Los Angeles, he remained engaged with the theatrical community throughout his life. De Santis was inducted into the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Diamond Circle on May 17, 1985, recognizing his lasting impact on broadcast history. He passed away on August 30, 1989, in Provo, Utah, at the age of 80, after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, leaving behind a legacy of artistic versatility and dedication to the craft.