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Richard Edson

Former downtown New York musician turned character actor whose quirky, understated debut as a lead in Jim Jarmusch's "Stranger Than Paradise" (1984) led to supporting roles in film and TV. Often playing fringe New Yorkers, Edson's likable, homely mug befits characters that range from a nervous military sycophant to an amiable pizzaman to a fast-talking talent agent. He appeared in another hip NYC feature, Susan Seidelman's "Desperately Seeking Susan" (1985), before enjoying a memorable small part in John Hughes's "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) as a joy-riding parking lot attendant. Edson went on to appear in "Platoon" (1986), "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987), and "Eight Men Out" (1989) before making his strongest impression in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" (1989) as Vito, the more sympathetic of Danny Aiello's two sons. He appeared in three films in 1993: "Posse," in a bit part; "Super Mario Bros.," as a reptilian baddie; and in the title role of the independently produced comedy "Joey Breaker."