On this very special Bonus Episode of The Rad Revival House Season 3, we’re revisiting the 1990s with the gripping made-for-TV thriller picture, DONOR UNKNOWN. Joining us as Special Guest Lecturer is none other than the star of DONOR UNKNOWN, famous journeyman actor Peter Onorati!
Peter’s decades-long career has bounced from television to the big screen, with no signs of slowing down. Film buffs will remember his thanklessly memorable bit part in GOODFELLAS, where his Florida Bookie character gets brutally beaten by stars Robert De Niro and Ray Liotta, with the former laying into Peter with a few real blows to the face! On TV, Peter boasts strong guest appearances on such hit shows as WALKER, TEXAS RANGER, MONK, NYPD BLUE, SWAT (in a terrific recurring role as Sgt. Jack Mumford), THIS IS US, and many more.
After years of supporting performances, Peter finally gets to shine in a leading role in 1995’s DONOR UNKNOWN. Peter portrays Nick Stillman, a tough, successful, and inquisitive insurance investigator who is leveled by a massive heart attack. Desperate to increase his chances of survival, Nick receives an emergency heart transplant, which saves him from death. But instead of moving on with his life, Nick is shocked to discover his donor was murdered to obtain his vital organ. Nick seeks the truth behind his donor’s untimely demise, leading to a confrontation with his crooked surgeon (Sam Robards), and a vicious enforcer (Clancy Brown).
Together, Peter and our host, The Professor Cesare Augusto, look back at what makes DONOR UNKNOWN so compellingly special. Despite a low budget and a seemingly limiting “made-for-TV” vibe, DONOR UNKNOWN is effectively reminiscent of classic film-noirs. Thanks to Peter’s strong yet sympathetic performance, an exploration behind illegal immigration, and a captivating mystery approach, the film will take audiences to the edge of their seats!
The Rad Revival House gives its huge thanks to Peter Onorati for sharing his career experiences and his time working on DONOR UNKNOWN!
