Osvaldo Altobello

Osvaldo Altobello
Eli Wallachportraying Don Altobello
First appearance	The Godfather Part III
Last appearance	The Godfather's Revenge
Created by	Mario Puzo
Portrayed by	Eli Wallach
In-universe information
Nickname	Ozzie
Gender	Male
Title	Boss Consigliere Capo
Occupation	Mobster
Family	Tattaglia
Spouse	Unnamed wife
Children	Various daughters
Relatives	One nephew known

Osvaldo"Ozzie"Altobellois a fictional character and the primary antagonist of the 1990 filmThe Godfather Part III.In the film, he is portrayed byEli Wallach.

Casting

Frank SinatrabiographerTom Santopietronotes thatFrancis Ford Coppolaapproached Sinatra to play Altobello. The singer considered accepting the role, but was not keen on the heavy shooting schedule. Ultimately, his wife Barbara talked him out of it.

Appearances

The Godfather Part III

Altobello is an aging gangster and longstanding ally of theCorleone crime family.He is an influential member and liaison of theSicilian MafiainNew York Cityand an old friend of the Corleone family. He is also a member ofPropaganda Due(P2). By the time ofThe Godfather III,he has become a close friend and ally ofMichael Corleone's. Altobello even donates one million dollars to be a part of theVito Andolini CorleoneFoundation. Aside from being Michael's associate, Altobello isConnie Corleone's godfather.

Altobello wants in on Michael's investments as he attempts to complete his family's move from crime-based profits to legitimate business. Altobello skillfully hides his nefarious intentions, but Michael grows suspicious afterJoey Zasa,a Corleone family rival, orchestrates an assassination attempt on Michael and other family heads assembled for aCommissionmeeting inAtlantic City.Altobello had left the conference room just prior to the attack. Michael escapes unharmed, but many others are killed. Michael instructs his nephewVincent Corleoneto approach Altobello pretending to pledge his allegiance to Altobello, without promising to betray Michael.

While inSicily,Altobello enlists a legendary, aged assassin named Mosca to kill Michael. He plans the attack for when Michael's son,Anthony,is performing inCavalleria RusticanaatTeatro MassimoinPalermo.Before the performance, Connie presents Altobello with a box ofcannolias a birthday gift. He takes one from the box and offers Connie the first bite. She takes a small taste, seemingly calming his suspicions. Altobello eats the rest of the poisoned cannoli throughout the performance and dies in his seat as Connie watches through heropera glasses.

Sequel novels

Altobello is a supporting character in the novelsThe Godfather ReturnsandThe Godfather's Revenge,set before the events ofThe Godfather Part III.

Other

• Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories- Uncle Leone is based on Don Altobello.

Sources

• Santopietro, Tom (November 11, 2008).Sinatra in Hollywood.St. Martin's Press.ISBN978-0-312-36226-3.