Joe Grifasi


Joseph G. Grifasi is an American character actor of film, stage and television.

Early life and education

Grifasi was born in Buffalo, New York, the son of Patricia and Joseph J. Grifasi, a skilled laborer. Grifasi graduated from Bishop Fallon High School, a now-defunct Roman Catholic high school in Buffalo, when he made the decision that he wanted to be, not just any old actor, but a character actor.

Career

Grifasi has more than 130 film and television credits to his name, including two New York Yankees elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame: Phil Rizzuto in 61*, set in 1961; and Yogi Berra in The Bronx Is Burning, set in 1977.
He also played Pier 32 dock foreman in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, having one of the memorable scenes of the film while being questioned by Frank Drebin.
From 2005 and 2021, Grifasi has portrayed List of [Law & Order: Special Victims Unit characters#Defense attorneys|Defense Attorney Hashi Horowitz], who goes on to become a List of Law & Order: [Special Victims Unit characters#Judges|Superior Court Judge] on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Filmography

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1974–1975Police SurgeonJerry Shields / Sam Sitko2 episodes
1986The Equalizer (1985 [TV series)|The Equalizer]Lt. VocekEpisode: "The Line"
1992Citizen CohnGerald WalpinTV movie
1992SinatraGeorge EvansTV movie
1993-1994L.A. LawDominic Nuzzi5 episodes
1993Taking the HeatLou ValentineTV movie
1999Switching GoalsDaveTV movie
2000The Other MeConradTV movie
200161*Phil RizzutoTV movie
2005-2013Law & Order: Special Victims UnitDefense Attorney Hashi Horowitz9 episodes
2015-2021Law & Order: Special Victims UnitJudge Hashi Horowitz5 episodes