Harvey Keitel is an American actor called by TIME Magazine one of the Top 100 Films of All Time. Harvey Keitel was born in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, the son of Miriam and Harry. His parents owned and ran a luncheonette.

Harvey Keitel grew up in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn. At the age of 16, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps. He was a court reporter and was able to support himself before beginning his acting career.

He was formerly in a long-term relationship with actress Lorraine Bracco. Harvey Keitel married actress Daphna Kastner in 2001, and he is the father of three children: Stella, Hudson and Roman.