After his Oscar win for Amadeus (1984), he turned down roles in films such as Clue (1985) and Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986).
Early in his career, he was one of the "Fruit of the Loom guys" (men dressed up as fruits) in the underwear commercials
He has one daughter and one son.
He studied drama at the HB Studios in Greenwich Village in New York City.
In July 2004, during a ceremony in Rome, he was awarded the "Premio per gli Italiani nel Mondo." This is a prize distributed by the Marzio Tremaglia foundation and the Italian government to Italian emigrants and their descendants who have distinguished themselves abroad.
Was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania of Italian and Syrian parents and brought up in El Paso, Texas.
Was educated at the University of Texas.