AllMovie

Of Franco-Spanish descent, American actor Reni Santoni began his show business career as a comedy writer. Santoni's big film break came when director Carl Reiner cast him in the leading role of aspiring thespian David Kolowitz (Reiner's blatantly obvious alter ego) in Enter Laughing (1967). Thereafter, Santoni could be seen in supporting parts in such films as Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid (1982, again directed by Carl Reiner), Brewster's Millions (1985), and Cobra (1986). He has also provided voice-over characterizations for crowd scenes in Rain Man (1988), Bright Lights, Big City (1988), and other films. Reni Santoni's weekly TV credits include the roles of lawyer Danny Paterno in Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (1973-1974 season only) and police captain Nick Rivera in Manimal (1983).