Robert Davi is an American actor, singer, writer, director, and producer who has built a decades-long career playing memorable villains and authority figures. He is best known for portraying the menacing Jake Fratelli in The Goonies, FBI Special Agent Johnson in Die Hard, and the James Bond antagonist Franz Sanchez in Licence to Kill.
Davi was born on June 26, 1953, in Astoria, Queens, New York. This makes him 73 years old as of 2026. Some sources list his birth year as 1951, a discrepancy that remains unconfirmed. He comes from an Italian-American family and began his artistic journey studying opera before a vocal issue shifted his focus to acting.
He has appeared in well over 100 films and television productions, with some profiles counting more than 130 credits. Alongside his screen work, Davi has maintained a parallel career as a jazz vocalist, often performing under the banner of Sinatra-style standards.
What is Robert Davi best known for?
Robert John Davi
June 26, 1953 (or 1951 — see notes) • Astoria, New York, USA
Actor, Singer, Filmmaker
Jake Fratelli (The Goonies), Special Agent Johnson (Die Hard), Franz Sanchez (Licence to Kill)
- Robert Davi is a character actor with over 130 film credits, cementing his status as a frequent screen villain.
- He has a parallel career as a jazz vocalist, performing under the banner “Davi Sings Sinatra” and releasing albums inspired by Frank Sinatra.
- Davi’s breakthrough role came in 1985 as the ruthless Jake Fratelli in Richard Donner’s classic adventure The Goonies.
- He trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and studied under Lee Strasberg, grounding his performances in method technique.
- Davi is also a political activist, speaking publicly on issues of anti-Semitism, patriotism, and Italian-American heritage.
- He is one of the few actors to have appeared in a James Bond film, a major action franchise like Die Hard, and a beloved 80s classic like The Goonies.
- His charitable work includes involvement with the Dream Foundation, Heart of a Child Foundation, and the National Italian-American Foundation.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert John Davi |
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1953 (some sources say 1951) |
| Place of Birth | Astoria, Queens, New York, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, screenwriter, director, producer, jazz vocalist |
| Years Active | 1977–present |
| Spouse | Diana Davi (current); previous marriages to Christine Bolster, Jeri McBride, and Jan Borenstein |
| Children | Five children |
| Notable Roles | Jake Fratelli (The Goonies), Agent Johnson (Die Hard), Franz Sanchez (Licence to Kill), FBI Agent Bailey Malone (The Profiler) |
What movies and TV shows has Robert Davi appeared in?
Davi’s filmography spans more than four decades. He started with television work in the late 1970s, including a 1977 role alongside Frank Sinatra in Contract on Cherry Street. His early career built a foundation for the villain roles that would define his public image.
What role did Robert Davi play in The Goonies?
Davi played Jake Fratelli, the violent and dim-witted eldest son of the Fratelli crime family. The role is one of the most iconic performances in the film. Jake Fratelli chases the young protagonists through the Oregon coast, always a step behind but never lacking menace. The character remains a favorite among Gen X and Millennial audiences. Davi’s on-screen mother, Mama Fratelli, was played by Anne Ramsey. You can read more about her in our article on Anne Ramsey – Biography, Cause of Death, and Iconic Roles.
What character did Robert Davi play in The Wire?
Davi did not appear in The Wire. No record of his involvement exists in the series’ cast lists. This is a common point of confusion, possibly mixing him up with another actor or a similar-sounding name. He is, however, known for playing FBI agents in Die Hard and the long-running series The Profiler.
Searches for “Robert Davi The Wire” return no confirmed credits. He is not listed in the cast of any season of the HBO drama. The confusion may stem from his frequent portrayal of law enforcement characters on television, including his lead role as FBI Agent Bailey Malone in The Profiler (1996–2000).
Did Robert Davi appear in the Halo franchise?
Davi provided voice work for the Halo video game series. He voiced a character in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and related titles within the franchise. This makes him part of the extended Halo universe, though his role was not a leading one in the main narrative.
What other movies has Robert Davi been in?
His filmography includes major action films, cult classics, and independent productions. Notable highlights include:
- Raw Deal (1986) – alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Die Hard (1988) – as FBI Special Agent Johnson
- Licence to Kill (1989) – as drug lord Franz Sanchez, the James Bond villain
- Predator 2 (1990) – as Detective Phil Heinemann
- Son of the Pink Panther (1993)
- Showgirls (1995) – as Al Torres
- The Expendables 3 (2014) – as Goran Vata
His Licence to Kill co-star Benicio Del Toro played the henchman Dario. You can find more on his career in our profile of Benicio Del Toro – Biography, Movies, Awards & Net Worth.
Davi is one of the few actors to have appeared in a James Bond film, a Die Hard movie, and The Goonies. This span demonstrates his ability to move between family adventure, action blockbusters, and gritty crime dramas. His vocal training also allowed him to perform his own singing in several projects.
What is Robert Davi’s net worth and who is his wife?
How old is Robert Davi?
Davi was born on June 26, 1953, according to multiple sources including IMDb and The Movie Database. As of 2026, this makes him 73 years old. Some sources, including Wikipedia, list his birth year as 1951, which would make him two years older. The discrepancy has not been officially resolved by any public record.
Is Robert Davi married?
Davi is currently married to Diana Davi. Earlier relationships and marriages include Christine Bolster, Jeri McBride, and Jan Borenstein. The dates and details of these marriages are not clearly established in public records. He is the father of five children.
Does Robert Davi have a family?
Yes. He has been married multiple times and has five children. His current wife, Diana, is listed in recent biographical sources. The names and ages of his children are not publicly available.
Does Robert Davi have a skin condition?
There is no credible evidence of a skin condition affecting Robert Davi. Searches for “Robert Davi skin condition” or “Robert Davi skin” appear to be the result of confusion with another person or a typographical error. No biography, interview, or medical source mentions any skin-related health issue. His Instagram account and recent public appearances show no visible condition.
What did Robert Davi look like when he was young?
Young photos of Davi show a lean, dark-haired man with a strong jawline and intense expression. He began his career in the late 1970s and broke out in the mid-1980s. The movie The Goonies (1985) captures him in his early 30s, already performing with a screen presence that would define his career. No dedicated archive of his youthful photographs exists online, but his early film roles provide a clear visual record.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth year is 1953 per IMDb and TMDB; some sources say 1951. | Official birth records have not been publicly reconciled. Most reliable sources lean toward 1953. |
| No credible source mentions a skin condition. | The origin of the “skin condition” rumor is unknown. It may be a typo or confusion with another public figure. |
| Net worth is unverified. Unreliable websites estimate $2 million to $5 million. | No audited financial data exists. Any net worth figure should be treated as speculative. |
What is Robert Davi’s career background and cultural significance?
Davi’s training began with opera studies, but a vocal problem redirected him toward acting. He studied at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and worked with Lee Strasberg, grounding his craft in method techniques. His early television work culminated in a breakout role in The Goonies, which remains a cultural touchstone for audiences who grew up in the 1980s.
His transition to playing villains in major franchises — Die Hard, Licence to Kill, Predator 2 — established him as a reliable screen antagonist. Yet his singing career, which he has pursued alongside acting, reveals a different side. He performs under the name “Davi Sings Sinatra” and has released albums that appeal to older demographics and Sinatra enthusiasts.
Davi has also been outspoken about political issues, particularly pro-Israel and conservative causes. He has used his platform to speak against anti-Semitism and in favor of patriotism. This activism has drawn both support and criticism, but it remains a consistent part of his public identity.
What do sources and quotes say about Robert Davi?
“Robert Davi has performed in more than 130 films.”
— Wikipedia
“From his portrayal of the opera singing baddie in ‘The Goonies’ … to the streetwise tough guy, Davi’s characters are unforgettable.”
— IMDb
“Robert Davi is an award-winning actor, screenwriter, director, producer and jazz vocalist.”
— IMDb biography
Is there a summary of Robert Davi’s life and career?
Robert Davi is an actor, singer, and filmmaker who rose to fame playing villains in The Goonies, Die Hard, and Licence to Kill. His career spans over 130 film and television credits, and he continues to act and perform music. He is 73 years old as of 2026, married to Diana Davi, and the father of five. His net worth is not reliably documented, and there is no evidence of a skin condition. He remains active on social media, promoting new music and independent film projects. For more on one of his most famous co-stars, read about Anne Ramsey – Biography, Cause of Death, and Iconic Roles.
Frequently asked questions about Robert Davi
How old is Robert Davi?
Born June 26, 1953 (alternative: 1951), he is either 73 or 71 as of 2026. Most sources favor 1953.
Where was Robert Davi born?
Astoria, Queens, New York, USA.
Is Robert Davi in any upcoming movies?
As of 2025, no major releases are announced, but he remains active in indie projects and music.
What is Robert Davi’s height?
Reported as 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm), though this is not confirmed by authoritative sources.
Did Robert Davi serve in the military?
No. His acting roles include Vietnam veterans, but he did not serve in the military.
What is Robert Davi’s net worth?
No verified net worth exists. Unreliable estimates range from $2 million to $5 million.
Does Robert Davi have a skin condition?
No credible evidence supports this. The rumor likely stems from a typo or confusion.
Did Robert Davi appear in The Wire?
No. He is not listed in the cast of the HBO series.
What character did Robert Davi play in Halo?
He provided voice work for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and related titles.
Who is Robert Davi married to?
He is currently married to Diana Davi. Earlier marriages include Christine Bolster, Jeri McBride, and Jan Borenstein.
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William Ashby is Editor-in-Chief at Edinburgh Wire, overseeing local editorial policy, standards and publication decisions.