You know the face. Honestly, if you’ve watched any major crime procedural or a gritty 90s thriller in the last thirty years, you’ve probably seen Lenny Citrano. He is one of those quintessential "that guy" actors—the kind of performer who pops up, delivers a punchy line or a menacing look, and makes a scene feel lived-in.
But pinning down a specific list of Lenny Citrano movies and tv shows is actually harder than it looks because he moves between big-budget blockbusters and cult voice acting roles with total ease. He isn't a "leading man" in the traditional Hollywood sense. He’s better. He’s a utility player who makes everyone else on screen look good.
From Crime Dramas to Cult Animation
Citrano has been at this since 1969. That is a long time to stay relevant in an industry that eats people alive. While a lot of folks might recognize him from his recent voice work, his live-action resume is a trip through the history of TV drama.
The Voice Behind Smeech in Arcane
If you are a fan of Arcane, the Netflix hit based on the League of Legends universe, you know Citrano even if you didn't realize it. He voices Smeech, the twitchy, cybernetic-obsessed Chem-Baron. In Season 1, Smeech was mostly a background presence, but Season 2 really let the character (and Citrano’s vocal performance) shine. It’s a raspy, oily performance that fits the grime of Zaun perfectly.
Big Screen Moments: Crocodile Dundee and Suicide Kings
Movies? Yeah, he’s done those too. He had a role in Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001). It wasn't exactly Citizen Kane, but it was a massive global production. Before that, he appeared in Suicide Kings (1997), a movie that has become a bit of a cult classic for fans of 90s neo-noir.
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Working alongside guys like Christopher Walken and Denis Leary requires a certain level of "don't blink" energy. Citrano holds his own. He also popped up in the Jack Nicholson vehicle Man Trouble (1992). He’s the guy who fills the space between the stars, providing the texture that makes a movie world feel real.
A Career Built on Television Guest Spots
The bread and butter of Lenny Citrano’s career has always been the guest star spot. This is where he really shines. Think about the biggest shows of the last few decades:
- Justified: He played Joe Delahunt in the third season.
- ER: One of the most-watched shows in history, and he was there.
- NYPD Blue: He fit right into the gritty, handheld-camera world of Andy Sipowicz.
- Castle: He appeared in the Nathan Fillion-led procedural.
- Vegas: He had a recurring presence as Frank Scarpone.
He even made an appearance in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Imagine going from a dark crime scene in NYPD Blue to a Disney Channel hotel set. That is the definition of range.
Why Character Actors Like Citrano Matter
Most people focus on who is on the poster. But if a show only had stars, it would feel hollow. We need the "Smeechs" of the world. We need the guys who can play a mobster on Monday and a worried witness on Tuesday.
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Citrano’s longevity—active since 1969—is a testament to his professionalism. He doesn't just show up; he brings a specific type of authentic, blue-collar energy to his roles. Whether it's a guest spot on Scorpion or a role in a direct-to-video action flick like Bloodfist IV: Die Trying, he treats the material with respect.
Video Game Credits
Citrano has also carved out a niche in the gaming world. Voice acting isn't just about reading lines; it's about creating a presence without a body. You can hear him in:
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Red Dead Redemption
- Battlefield: Hardline
- Mafia II
In Mafia II, he voiced a prison guard and a young dockworker. It’s a perfect fit for his voice—rough, experienced, and distinctly American.
What to Watch First
If you're looking to dive into his work, start with Arcane. It’s his most prominent "modern" role and shows off his ability to create a character through voice alone. After that, go back and find his episode of Justified ("Cut Ties"). It captures that gritty, character-driven energy he is known for.
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Lenny Citrano isn't a household name for everyone, but he’s a household face. His career is a roadmap of the last fifty years of American entertainment. From the early days of 70s television to the peak of the streaming era with Arcane, he has remained a steady, reliable presence.
To truly appreciate his work, pay attention to the supporting cast next time you're rewatching a classic procedural. Chances are, Citrano is there, helping build the world one scene at least.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the second season of Arcane on Netflix to hear his expanded role as Smeech.
- Browse through his episodes on Justified or Vegas if you prefer live-action crime drama.
- Look for his voice credits the next time you're playing through a Rockstar or Bethesda title; his "additional voices" often provide the most flavor to the game's atmosphere.