53. Vito Corleone

Appearance: The Godfather (1972), The Godfather: Part II (1974)

Creator: Mario Puzo

Performer: Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro

Defining moment: Forging his destiny with the murder of neighbourhood padrone Don Fanucci.

Fascinating fact: Orson Welles claimed he would have “sold his soul” to play Vito, but was never even considered - still, an interesting thought.

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