Craig Castaldo, widely known as Radioman, has become a familiar face in Hollywood despite never being a leading man. With cameo roles in over 300 films, including Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, Spider-Man, Forrest Gump, and Die Hard, he has crossed paths with some of the biggest names in the industry. Now, he has opened up about what these stars are truly like behind the scenes.
Leonardo DiCaprio: Not Always the Friendliest
When asked about working with Leonardo DiCaprio, Craig described him as a good guy but noted that he can be reserved. “He's a good guy. He's into all his look, his character, whatever it is. You don't bother him when he's working, you know, but we talk in-between here and there. Leo's a fun guy, but he's not that friendly in many ways to many people. Because he's into his production, he's working, he hasn't got time for games and stupidity and people's BS. Other than that, he's a good people.”
Robin Williams: A Genuine Soul
Craig had nothing but praise for the late Robin Williams, describing him as a very good person who loved everyone. “He cracked jokes, he’d make funny things all the time. When we were on set, on camera and off camera, both ways. He was just a personable guy. He didn’t act like an actor.” Craig added, “Robin was a good guy. I loved him. I really did. I hope you’re hearing this up there or wherever you are.”
Tom Cruise: A Class Act
Tom Cruise also received high marks from Radioman. “He always comes up to me, shakes my hand, and asks how I am when we see each other. When I went to Pittsburgh for Jack Reacher, I asked for autographs, and he never turned me down. He said, ‘Give me your address, Radio, I’ll send them to you.’ Sure enough, within a month, I got them in the mail, all signed. Tom Cruise. Crazy, right? Great actor too. There’s nothing like him.”
From Homeless to Hollywood Mascot
Craig, now in his mid-70s, once experienced homelessness. He began getting roles by simply hanging around film sets in New York City, eventually becoming known as a “film set mascot” and a “legend of the film world.” Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, he served in the Vietnam War before working at a newsstand in Manhattan, where he started his journey into the film industry.
A documentary about his life was released in 2012, featuring Robin Williams, who said, “I think he has a longer resume than me in terms of movies in New York. Every movie that shoots in New York, well, most of them, if he knows somebody, he’ll get a part in them.”
Craig shared these stories on the Anything Goes with James English podcast, offering a rare glimpse into the personalities of Hollywood’s elite.
