Photo Coverage: Gianni Russo And Band Hit Big At Le Cirque

Gianni Russo best known for his portrayal of Carlo Russo in "The Godfather" also knows how to do a killer of a music show and helped an important charity save lives at Le Cirque last night.

Gianni and his band performed at the Lifeline Humanitarian Organization's charity event which was held at the legendary restaurant. The New York office of Lifeline Humanitarian Organization, under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia, is dedicated to helping all of those in need in Serbia. The Organization is an international effort founded in 1993 as an urgent response to the tragic situation in the former Yugoslavia, which was afflicted by conflict and sanctions. HRH Crown Princess Katherine has strived to obtain and channel help through Lifeline and HRH Crown Princess Katherine Foundation. Donna & Richard Soloway are supporters of Lifeline and organized the entertaining evening which had a Las Vegas theme.

Gianni Russo has made a career of playing tough guys but when anyone returned from the men's room at the restaurant last night it was to enjoy the food and his music. Although remembered most for his portrayal of Carlo Rizzi in "The Godfather", his first acting job, his career has spanned over 40 films including such hits as The Freshman, Rush Hour, Any Given Sunday and Sea Biscuit as well as television roles in Kojak, The Rockford Files and Prison Break. And most recent.. due out this fall "Send No Flowers".Russo believes it's his crooning that separates him from the mob of other on-screen wise guys. His debut CD Reflections paid homage to such legendary singers as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. These icons inspired him both personally and professionally. The CD, which is available on iTunes and Amazon.com contains a bonus track where Russo reminisces about the behind-the-scenes drama that took place during the filming of "The Godfather". Russo travels the country with his orchestra to sold out appearances performing the music that has influenced his Life. His follow up CD was released in June 2010, and his self titled wine label Gianni Russo Wines launched nationally in 2009.Born in Manhattan and raised in Little Italy and Staten Island, Russo overcame polio as a child to start his first "business" at the tender age of twelve, selling pens and erasers on the street corners. At eighteen Russo made his first trip to Miami, where he began to dabble in show-business, working in nightclubs and hotspots before deciding to pursue acting and move to Hollywood.