Nick Borgani

Nick Borgani was an Italian immigrant whose family was very active in the film business since the early days of motion pictures. Like many immigrants, Borgani spoke with a thick accent but he found steady employment in countless films in the 1930s and 1940s because of his exotic appearance and the increased popularity of films where the main character visiting Europe or South America.

By the 1950s, the now aged Borgani transitioned into gangster shows and cowboy shows. He could be seen as one of the organizations decision makers on The Untouchables or he can be seen on shows like Gunsmoke where he appeared as a townsman. His work continued steadily through the mid 60s until the decline of television westerns.

Like most extras, Borgani tried to establish various characterizations or specialties that would get them work. During the late 1960s, Borgani would still appear as a cowboy occasionally but he started to appear more and more as waiters and cooks. He still continued regularly appearing in Gunsmoke but he also appeared in various shows like Mission Impossible and The Lucy Show.

During the 1970, Borgani’s career started to slow down because of the lack of opportunities for people of his age and his appearance. The very appearance that helped him get work now made it more difficult for him to move out of those scenes that once provided an endless amount of work. By the 1980s, he decided to retire but not before leaving behind countless appearances as cowboys, gangsters, waiters, or whatever was needed.