- Nephew of Paul Castellano.
- In the DVD commentary of The Godfather (1972), Francis Ford Coppola says that Castellano was not in The Godfather Part II (1974) because he wanted to have someone else (of his choosing) write his dialogue. According to Castellano's widow, Ardell Sheridan, Castellano was dropped by Coppola because he refused to regain the weight to play Clemenza due to health reasons.
- Richard's widow, Ardell Sheridan, published a book in 2002 detailing his contributions in the making of The Godfather (1972). Able to recall true-life experiences growing up in a mob family, Richard's experiences helped Francis Ford Coppola when needing to tighten up the script. The book states that Richard kept an inexperienced Al Pacino from getting fired by making slight adjustments in Pacino's characterization as Michael Corleone that not only helped Pacino keep his job, but enhanced the complexity of his character. Castellano was also instrumental in helping Marlon Brando understand Vito Corleone's motivations, but reports that their relationship suffered due to Brando's bruised ego. According to the book, Richard was the only other actor who was considered for Don Corleone's role after Brando's screen test for the part. Both Richard and Ardell rewrote the Genco Oil scene when the version written by Francis Ford Coppola wasn't working.
- Specialized in playing overweight characters. His normal weight was about 200 pounds, but producers invariably insisted that he gain at least 50 pounds for roles.
- He was the highest paid actor in The Godfather (1972), coming from his first and only Oscar nomination for the movie Lovers and Other Strangers (1970).
- Has played the father of Bruno Kirby, in The Super (1972), and an older version of Bruno Kirby's character, Clemenza, in The Godfather (1972).
- Was nominated for Broadway's 1969 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Dramatic) for Lovers and Other Strangers (1970), a part he recreated in an Oscar nominated performance in the film version of the same name, Lovers and Other Strangers (1970).
- Unable to get acting jobs for most of the 1980s, Castellano spent his last years working as an auto mechanic in New Jersey.
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