A popular narrator for PBS over the years.
Campanella became one of the youngest-ever skippers in the wartime navy.
Graduated from Manhattan College in the Bronx, NY
He went on to attend Columbia University, then began his acting career on the New York stage and in TV soap operas.
His father, a Sicilian immigrant, was an early member of the American Federation of Musicians. As a result, he remained active in liberal "underdog" political causes all his life.
Honorary sheriff of Toluca Lake, California
Received a 1962 Tony nomination as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Dramatic) for his performance in "A Gift of Time", which was written and directed by Garson Kanin, and which starred Henry Fonda and Olivia de Havilland.
Two of Joseph's sons, Rob Campanella and Dominic Campanella, played in the L.A. psychedelic rock band, "The Quarter After".
Younger brother of actor Frank Campanella.