Richard Foronjy, born in 1937, is an American actor who made his mark in cult cinema with memorable roles in The Gambler (1974) and The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979). His ability to embody complex characters adds depth to the narratives he participates in, particularly in the realm of gritty dramas and offbeat comedies. In The Gambler, Foronjy's performance contributes to the film's exploration of risk and morality, while in The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, he navigates the quirky world of basketball and supernatural elements, showcasing his versatility as a character actor.
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh tells the story of a struggling professional basketball team, the Pittsburgh Pythons, whose continuous losing streak and lack of talent has made them the laughing stock of Pittsburgh. Several players ask to be traded to other teams, partly due to the bad publicity and the presence of the difficult but highly paid star player, Moses Guthrie (Julius Erving). Believing that the team needs a miracle, ballboy/waterboy Tyrone Millman (James Bond III) turns to astrology to improve the team's fortunes. He brings his idea to astrologer Mona Mondieu (Stockard Channing), and they come up with the perfect concept: a team composed entirely of players born under the astrological sign of Pisces, the star sign of Moses Guthrie. The team is reborn as the "Pittsburgh Pisces". Although Moses and Tyrone's sister (Margaret Avery) think that Tyrone's idea is absurd, they ultimately embrace the concept. The plan succeeds wildly due to the new team's eccentric skills, teamwork, and Mona's astrological readings, culminating in a championship opportunity.