Harvey Keitel is a name synonymous with the golden era of American cinema, celebrated for his intense performances, nuanced portrayals, and dedication to complex roles. A towering figure in Hollywood for over five decades, Keitel has built an extraordinary career characterized by his collaborations with visionary filmmakers and his ability to bring authenticity to any character he plays. From his gritty roles in Martin Scorsese’s early films to his iconic collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel’s journey from Brooklyn to the pinnacle of Hollywood is a story of talent, resilience, and dedication.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Harvey Johannes Keitel |
| Birth Date | May 13, 1939 |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Age | 84 years (as of 2024) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Father’s Name | Harry Keitel |
| Father’s Occupation | Hat maker and businessman |
| Mother’s Name | Miriam Keitel |
| Mother’s Occupation | Homemaker |
| Siblings | Jerry Keitel (brother), Renee Keitel (sister) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 160 lbs (72 kg) |
| Wife | Daphna Kastner |
| Children | Stella Keitel, Hudson Keitel, Roman Keitel |
| Residence | New York City, USA |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
| Not officially active | |
| Car Collection | Rolls Royce, Bentley, classic luxury cars |
| Friends | Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino |
| Imdb Profile | Harvey Keitel Imdb |
| Wikipedia Page | Harvey Keitel Wikipedia |
Early Life and Background: Roots in Brooklyn
Harvey Keitel was born on May 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. The youngest child of Harry and Miriam Keitel, he grew up in Brighton Beach, a neighborhood bustling with cultural diversity. His father was a hat maker, while his mother devoted her life to raising her children and managing the household. Harvey’s upbringing was modest, and his family’s strong work ethic laid the foundation for his future success.
He attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn but struggled with the rigid structure of academic life. His real education came from the streets of Brooklyn, where he developed his characteristic grit and resilience. As a teenager, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, an experience that profoundly shaped his character, teaching him discipline and perseverance.
Siblings: Jerry and Renee Keitel
Harvey grew up alongside his brother Jerry and sister Renee. While little is publicly known about their professional lives, Harvey has mentioned the close-knit bond he shares with his siblings, crediting his family as a source of grounding throughout his career.
The Beginning of a Passion: Acting
After his time in the Marine Corps, Harvey returned to Brooklyn and began exploring the arts. He enrolled in HB Studio in Greenwich Village and later studied under the legendary Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio, where he honed his craft using the method acting approach. This training prepared him for the intense, emotional roles that would define his career.
Career: From Stage to Silver Screen
Early Collaborations with Martin Scorsese
Keitel’s acting career began with off-Broadway productions, but his life changed in 1967 when he met Martin Scorsese. The two formed a creative partnership, starting with Scorsese’s debut feature, Who’s That Knocking at My Door? Keitel’s breakthrough came with Mean Streets (1973), where he played the hot-headed Charlie, a performance that captured the raw intensity of urban life.
Their collaboration continued with Taxi Driver (1976), where Keitel portrayed the seedy pimp Sport, a stark contrast to the film’s protagonist played by Robert De Niro. In The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Keitel took on the role of Judas Iscariot, showcasing his ability to tackle controversial and complex characters.
Hollywood Success and Iconic Roles
In the 1990s, Keitel cemented his place in Hollywood with roles in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Pulp Fiction (1994). His portrayal of Mr. White in Reservoir Dogs and the “fixer” Winston Wolfe in Pulp Fiction became iconic, highlighting his knack for blending intensity with subtle humor.
Keitel’s filmography is a testament to his versatility. He delivered a harrowing performance in Bad Lieutenant (1992), a tender one in The Piano (1993), and showcased his comedic timing in Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). He also appeared in From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Bugsy (1991), and Youth (2015), further demonstrating his range.
Harvey Keitel’s Home: A Retreat in New York
Keitel resides in a luxurious home in New York City, a city he has called home for most of his life. His residence reflects his appreciation for classic elegance, featuring a mix of vintage and modern decor. Known for being a private individual, Keitel’s home serves as a sanctuary where he enjoys spending time with his family.
Physical Attributes: Height and Weight
Despite his commanding presence on screen, Keitel stands at a modest 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m). He maintains a healthy weight of approximately 160 lbs (72 kg), attributing his fitness to a disciplined lifestyle shaped by his time in the Marine Corps.
Car Collection: A Taste for Luxury
Harvey Keitel has a penchant for classic and luxury cars. His collection includes a Rolls Royce and a Bentley, reflecting his refined taste. While he is not known for flaunting his possessions, his vehicles represent a subtle nod to his success and style.
Personal Life: Marriage and Children
Marriage to Daphna Kastner
Harvey Keitel married Canadian actress and writer Daphna Kastner in 2001. The couple’s relationship is a rare Hollywood success story, characterized by mutual respect and shared creative passions. They often split their time between New York and other parts of the world, where Keitel works on his projects.
Children
Keitel has three children: Stella Keitel, from his previous relationship with Lorraine Bracco, and Hudson and Roman with Daphna Kastner. He is a devoted father, often emphasizing the importance of family in his life.
Friends and Collaborators
Keitel shares deep friendships with industry legends like Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. These relationships have not only shaped his career but also contributed to some of the most iconic films in cinematic history. He also has a strong bond with Quentin Tarantino, whom he often credits for revitalizing his career in the 1990s.
Net Worth: A Legacy of Success
With an estimated net worth of $50 million, Keitel has achieved financial success alongside his critical acclaim. His earnings stem from his illustrious acting career, real estate investments, and occasional producing roles.
Social Media Presence
While Harvey Keitel does not maintain an official Instagram or Twitter account, his legacy is celebrated widely on fan pages and forums. His decision to stay off social media aligns with his private nature and focus on his craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Harvey Keitel’s full name?
Harvey Johannes Keitel. His middle name reflects his family’s European heritage and Jewish roots, which have influenced his worldview and artistic approach.
2. When was Harvey Keitel born?
Harvey Keitel was born on May 13, 1939. This date places him among a generation of actors who emerged during the transformative mid-20th century period in Hollywood.
3. How old is Harvey Keitel?
As of 2024, Harvey Keitel is 84 years old. Despite his age, he remains active in the film industry and continues to be celebrated for his enduring contributions to cinema.
4. What is Harvey Keitel’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $50 million, earned through decades of work in iconic films, stage productions, and selective endorsements. He has also wisely invested in real estate and other ventures, which contribute to his wealth.
5. Where does Harvey Keitel live?
Harvey Keitel resides in a luxurious home in New York City, reflecting his lifelong connection to the city where he was born and raised. His residence is characterized by classic and modern elements, offering a serene retreat amidst the bustling city.
6. Who is Harvey Keitel married to?
He is married to Daphna Kastner, a Canadian actress and writer, since 2001. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect and shared creative interests, and they are known for maintaining a low-key and private personal life.
7. How many children does Harvey Keitel have?
Harvey Keitel has three children. Stella, his eldest daughter, was born from his previous relationship with actress Lorraine Bracco. With his wife Daphna Kastner, he has two sons: Hudson and Roman. He is known to prioritize family and often speaks about the importance of being a present father.
8. What is Harvey Keitel’s height?
He stands at 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m). Though not tall by Hollywood standards, his commanding presence and intense performances often make him appear larger-than-life on screen.
9. What are Harvey Keitel’s most famous roles?
He is best known for his roles as Mr. White in Reservoir Dogs and Winston Wolfe in Pulp Fiction. These roles showcased his ability to bring gravitas and complexity to characters, blending wit, charm, and menace seamlessly. Other notable roles include Charlie in Mean Streets, Judas Iscariot in The Last Temptation of Christ, and the titular character in Bad Lieutenant.
10. What car does Harvey Keitel drive?
Harvey Keitel has a collection of luxury cars that includes a Rolls Royce and a Bentley. His choice in vehicles reflects his understated sophistication and appreciation for classic, high-quality craftsmanship.
11. What is Harvey Keitel’s zodiac sign?
Taurus. People born under this sign are known for their resilience, determination, and loyalty—qualities that Keitel exemplifies in his career and personal life.
12. What was Harvey Keitel’s first film?
His first film was Who’s That Knocking at My Door? (1967), directed by Martin Scorsese. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration with Scorsese and introduced audiences to Keitel’s naturalistic acting style.
13. Does Harvey Keitel have social media?
No, Harvey Keitel does not officially use social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter. His decision to stay off social media aligns with his private nature and focus on his craft rather than public attention.
14. What is Harvey Keitel’s ethnic background?
Harvey Keitel is of Jewish descent. His parents emigrated from Europe, and their cultural heritage has deeply influenced his identity and work, often informing the depth and complexity of his characters.
15. Has Harvey Keitel won any awards?
Yes, he has received numerous accolades, including Independent Spirit Awards, a Silver Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival, and nominations for Golden Globes and Academy Awards. While he has not won an Oscar, his peers and critics widely recognize his contributions to cinema.
16. What are Harvey Keitel’s hobbies?
Keitel enjoys collecting luxury cars, reading, and supporting theater arts. His interest in cars reflects his taste for elegance and tradition, while reading allows him to explore new ideas and enrich his craft.
17. Who are Harvey Keitel’s close friends?
His close friends include Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino. These relationships extend beyond professional collaborations, rooted in mutual respect and shared creative visions. Keitel often credits these friendships as pivotal to his career.
18. Is Harvey Keitel retired?
No, Harvey Keitel is not retired. While he is selective about his projects, he continues to work on films and other creative endeavors. His enduring passion for acting ensures his presence in the industry remains strong.
19. What are Harvey Keitel’s most notable collaborations?
He is best known for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese (Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, The Last Temptation of Christ) and Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction). These partnerships have resulted in some of the most iconic films in cinematic history.
20. Does Harvey Keitel work in theater?
Yes, Harvey Keitel has a strong background in theater and often credits stage acting as a foundation of his craft. He has appeared in numerous stage productions and remains an advocate for the importance of live performance in the arts.
In a Nutshell
Harvey Keitel is a living legend whose career has defined and redefined the boundaries of acting. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to becoming a Hollywood icon, his journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and passion. With a legacy of unforgettable roles and an unwavering dedication to his craft, Keitel remains an enduring figure in cinema, inspiring audiences and actors alike.
