Actor, producer, and philanthropist Francis Capra has had an incredible journey since his humble beginnings in the Bronx. Discovered at the age of 10 by Robert De Niro and Chazz Palminteri while they were casting for the film A Bronx Tale (1993), he began his career as a child actor, eventually moving to Los Angeles with his mother Ann Marie Capra and siblings. His father was in jail for most of his childhood before his eventual shooting death in 2003.
Early Beginnings
Born on April 27th 1983 in New York City, Francis Capra spent much of his childhood in the Bronx. Despite growing up in poverty and facing many obstacles, he was determined to make something of himself and pursue a career in acting. At the age of 10 he auditioned for A Bronx Tale (1993) and won the role of Rudy, a young streetwise boy who befriends mob boss Lorenzo Anello (Chazz Palminteri). The film was well-received critically and commercially successful, launching Francis’ career as an actor.
Rise to Stardom
Following this success, Francis went on to star in hit films such as The Client (1994), Steal Big Steal Little (1995), and Empire Records (1995). In 1996 he appeared in two television series; ER as Dr. Peter Benton’s son Reese Benton; and Party Of Five as Ross Werkman. He also starred alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar in Cruel Intentions (1999) where he played Sebastian Valmont’s stepbrother Blaine Tuttle.
In 2002 he starred opposite Seth Green and Matthew Lillard in Scooby-Doo where he portrayed Scrappy-Doo’s human form Scrappy Rexington-Smythe III. That same year saw him appear opposite Kiefer Sutherland on 24 where he played computer hacker Eddie Grant for 12 episodes that season 1 & 2. His character proved popular with viewers which led him to reprise his role for two more episodes during season 3. He went on to star opposite Jennifer Lopez in Maid In Manhattan (2002) as her love interest Ty Travis; before joining the cast of Veronica Mars (2004–2006) playing Eli “Weevil” Navarro – leader of the PCH biker gang – for which he received critical acclaim from fans and critics alike. In 2005 & 2006 he also appeared regularly on NBC’s Heroes playing villainous drug dealer Jesse Murphy who had a vendetta against Nathan Petrelli’s character played by Adrian Pasdar.
Recent Projects & Philanthropy
Francis continued working steadily throughout the 2000s appearing on shows such as Cold Case, Bones & CSI: NY before joining the cast of 90210 (2009–2010) where he played bad boy Oscar Vega for 11 episodes until 2009; that same year saw him join NCIS: Los Angeles playing DEA agent Lance Hamilton for three episodes until 2010; followed by appearances on Chicago Fire (2012–2014); Sleepy Hollow (2013); Castle Rock & Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (both 2014). Most recently he co-starred alongside Mark Wahlberg & Will Ferrell in Daddy’s Home 2 (2017).
In addition to acting, Francis is an avid philanthropist having worked with organizations such as Covenant House California which helps homeless youth; Safe Place For Youth which provides assistance services and housing to at risk youth; Stop The Traffik which helps prevent human trafficking worldwide; The Art Of Elysium which works with creative individuals who volunteer their time towards helping children battling serious medical conditions; Montecito Disaster Relief Fund which provided aid after deadly mudslides devastated parts of Santa Barbara County California; along with many other charities devoted to helping those less fortunate than himself both nationally and internationally .
What Became of Francis Capra?
Francis Capra, who starred as Eli “Weevil” Navarro in the hit show Veronica Mars, had to take a hiatus from the show in 2006 due to a medical condition. He was diagnosed with a form of edema, which is swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues. The condition requires medication which caused Francis to swell up and break out. Fortunately, he was able to return to filming at the end of 2006 and has been able to continue his role on the show since then.
Casting for the Role of 9-Year-Old Calogero in ‘A Bronx Tale’
Francis Capra played the role of 9 year old Calogero in the 1993 movie A Bronx Tale. The movie tells the story of a young Italian-American boy, Calogero, who is torn between his father’s traditional values and the temptations of organized crime. Francis Capra brings a touching innocence to this role as he struggles to find his place in his community. Francis Capra has been acting since he was 8 years old, making this his first major film role.
What Happened to Weevil’s Face in Season 3?
In the third season of Veronica Mars, Weevil’s face underwent a dramatic change due to a medical condition he was struggling with. The medication he was taking for this illness caused his face and neck to swell and break out in acne. In one scene, Logan attacked Piz while Weevil looked on with a swollen and pockmarked face. This moment was included in series creator Rob Thomas’ list of highlights from the third season.
Age of Francis Capra in ‘A Bronx Tale’
Francis Capra was 9 years old when he starred in A Bronx Tale. He and co-star Robert De Niro played the same character at different stages of his life, and Francis lived on Arnow Place.
Conclusion
Francis Capra is an actor best known for his role as Calogero in the 1993 film A Bronx Tale. In recent years, he has become a recurring character on the popular television show Veronica Mars. Unfortunately, Francis had to take a break from the show due to a medical condition that required him to take medications that caused swelling and breakouts. Thankfully, he is now back with the show and healthy again. His career has spanned over two decades and will hopefully continue to entertain viewers for many years to come!
