'The Godfather's Clemenza Actor Was Paid More Than Al Pacino, and It Actually Makes a Lot of Sense

You may be surprised to learn that Al Pacino wasn't the highest-paid actor in the cast of The Godfather, Richard Castellano was. Here's why.

March 22, 2025 · 1 min · 69 words · Ryan Dorsey

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One of these actors wasAl Pacino, who was relatively unknown at the time.

In contrast, Richard Castellano was paid $50,000 for his supporting role.

“I can handle things, I’m smart!

Richard Castellano as Clemenza in Godfather.

Image via Paramount Pictures

Not like everybody says!”

Why Didn’t Clemenza Return for ‘The Godfather: Part 2’?

How would he even know Pacino’s rate for the second film at that time?

The-10-Least-Intelligent-Characters-in-‘The-Godfather’-Trilogy,-Ranked

Image via Paramount Pictures

Richard Castellano talking to someone in front of a car next to a cornfield in The Godfather (1972)

Image via Paramount Pictures

The Godfather Poster