During every presidential election a handful of actors peek out from behind the Hollywood sign to endorse the Republican nominee, and then retreat back into the wilderness. Robert Davi is the rare exception.
Davi has had a prolific career in TV and movies. No doubt you’ve seen him as one of the Fratelli brothers in the cult hit, “The Goonies,” as an FBI agent in “The Profiler,” and one of the greatest Bond villains ever in “Licence to Kill,” among many, many other movies and programs.
In 1977 Davi was cast in his first role in the TV movie, “Contract on Cherry Street” starring Frank Sinatra. Davi has said there were two icons for Italian-Americans: The Pope and Sinatra, not necessarily in that order.
Recently, Davi found a way to combine his love for music, Sinatra and traditional values. Last year he released the album, “Davi Sings Sinatra: On the Road to Romance.” As Christmas approaches, it’s an excellent gift for any Sinatra fan or anyone who loves music and the American songbook. Last week on NRA News’ Cam and Company, Davi said, “I did the album ‘Davi Sings Sinatra: On the Road to Romance’ not just because singing is my first love, but because Frank Sinatra represented something to America… He was the first big superstar to come out against racial bigotry and anti-Semitism. The great American songbook is the Shakespeare of America. It’s the golden age of American music.”
In 2010 I had the pleasure of hearing Davi perform at his alma mater, Hofstra University. His performance was beautiful and effortless. Davi's show was not just a tribute to Sinatra, but also a tribute to America. The album allows everyone to experience this great moment in music.
Davi has been vocal about his beliefs for many years, speaking at conservative events and writing for Breitbart.com and The Washington Times. Over the weekend he organized a candlelight vigil in Santa Monica, CA to show support to bring back the Nativity to Palisades Park.
For Americans who want to see their values represented in entertainment, they must support those like Davi. Buy the album for yourself and then buy them for your friends this Christmas. Davi may play the villain in many movies, but he’s my hero in Hollywood.
Each week the De Pasquale's Dozen asks political figures and free market-minded writers and entertainers to take a break from politics and talk about their pop culture obsessions.
1. What one thing would you do as President "just because you could"?
There would be many things I would want to do, pretty tough to choose just one when we are facing so many challenges, but one thing I would do is explain to the American people that a Flat Tax of 15% -- NO DEDUCTIONS -- would be the best thing for all. And anyone with an income of 75,000 and lower a flat tax of 5%.
2. Tell me about your favorite teacher and how he or she influenced your life.
Stella Adler was a huge influence. She shaped my artistic growth. She was one of the most accomplished women I knew. She worked directly with Stanislavski and brought back his technique of acting to America while she was at the Group Theater. Her work influenced generations of actor, directors, writer , and along with several others, changed the face of acting. Also, she was very politically active in the 30s , 40s and 50s. She once told me,"We were wrong !!!" when referring to Socialism! She was in the THICK of it all.
3. If you could be paid to do anything besides your current job, what would it be?
I love what I do, so that’s a hard one, but perhaps it would be to write a column or host a radio show.
4. Tell me about a public or private moment when you thought to yourself, "This is what Sinatra felt like every day.”
Well, no one feels the same everyday much less what it would be like for the Greatest Entertainer of all time. But, when the "Voice" is in top form there is no greater high for a singer. Also, after a performance and the reactions of the audience, I can imagine his deep feeling of connecting with the public.
5. What's your current “guilty pleasure” non-news television show?
I have none.
6. What’s the best present you ever received as a child?
Lionel Train Set with transformer that could run 5 different toy trains
7. What’s the best present you ever gave?
Got a sit down lawnmower for my father’s birthday
8. What advice do you remember your mother or father giving you? Did you take it?
Father said "Taste the bait, but don't swallow the hook!” Sometimes…
9. Who would be on the perfect "Red Eye" panel?
Groucho Marx, Oscar Levant, Steve Allen, Ernie Kovas and Ayn Rand
10. What books are on your reading list?
“Stella Adler on America’s Master Playwrights”
“Regarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty Years”
“Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010” By Charles Murray
“Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party: From Eisenhower to the Tea Party” By Geoffrey Kabaservice
“Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power” By Jon Meacham
11. What would you like tomorrow's headline to say?
Ronald Reagan wins in a LANDSLIDE
12. Tell me about the moment you decided to be more vocal about your political beliefs.
I've always had a big mouth.
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