Veteran tough-guy actor becomes national radio talker

Actor Robert Davi (Photo: Twitter)

After starring in more than 140 movie and TV roles, from "Die Hard" and "Showgirls" to "CSI" and "Law and Order," award-winning actor-singer Robert Davi – a Hollywood conservative who passionately supports Donald Trump's presidential run – has been signed by Talk Radio Network to replace the late Jerry Doyle.

Doyle, himself a veteran actor best known for his starring role in the hit TV sci-fi series "Babylon 5," died last month at the age of 60. Though the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, foul play is not suspected. Doyle hosted his popular TRN program, "The Jerry Doyle Show," for 12 years.

Davi, who had recently guest hosted for Doyle after his passing, proved so hugely popular with listeners that the radio syndicator's CEO, Mark Masters, worked out an agreement with Davi to permanently take over the nationally broadcast, daily three-hour time slot.

A veteran actor, screenwriter, director, producer and world-class jazz vocalist, Davi is one of the film industry's most recognizable "tough guys," from the opera-singing baddie in "The Goonies," to one of the most popular James Bond villains, Colombian drug lord Franz Sanchez in "Licence to Kill."

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Portraying FBI Special Agent Big Johnson in" Die Hard," Al Torres in "Showgirls," and most recently, Leo Marks in "The Iceman," Davi has also starred in many hit TV shows, from "Profiler" and "Stargate Atlantis" to "Criminal Minds" and "CSI." Additional film and TV roles include performances in "Kill the Irishman," "Without a Trace," "Expendables 3" and scores of others.

Ironically, considering his ubiquitous tough-guy image, Davi is also a consummate musician. In 2011, his debut album, "Davi Sings Sinatra: On the Road to Romance," reached Billboard Magazine's Top 10 Jazz Chart and inspired jazz legend Quincy Jones to remark: "I have never heard anyone come this close to Sinatra's sound – and still be himself. Many try, but Robert Davi has the voice, tone, the flavor and the swagger. What a surprise. He absolutely touched me down to my soul and brought back the essence and soul of Ol' Blue Eyes himself."

Watch promotional video, "The Robert Davi Experience":

In announcing Davi's signing, Masters said: "I believe, with everything in my bones, that 'The Robert Davi Show' will be the most successful show I have ever launched."

Masters, named one of the "40 Most Powerful People in Radio" by Radio Ink, has over the years syndicated many of America's top radio hosts at TRN, and starting in 2003 he collaborated with Fox News CEO Roger Ailes to create Fox News Radio.

Waxing eloquent on Davi's talents, Masters says: "Not since Orson Wells or Frank Sinatra has there been a talent so unique that he brings together theatrics, culture, politics and music into a nexus of sheer on-air brilliance. Unique, unpredictable and powerful: This is Robert Davi, a man born for radio, with a deep faith and love for America."

He adds: "Robert is irreverent, endlessly funny, yet always keeps you on the edge of your seat – he 'makes the speakers disappear' and in radio this ability is rare beyond jewels."

Actor Robert Davi (Photo: Twitter)

Speaking of "rare," Davi is a Hollywood conservative who openly supports Donald Trump. He recently explained to Fox News' Neil Cavuto why he thinks the "#NeverTrump" movement needs to disappear.

"Let them do it so the whole GOP can self-destruct," Davi said sarcastically. "It’s a dinosaur; it’s as old as the elephant tusks lying at the Museum of Natural History. They have a candidate now that can win a general election. … If they coalesce, they would win the general election and get more conservative ideas put forward than anything.”

Trump "is the last hope for America," Davi said on Fox Business Network’s "Mornings with Maria": "I don’t want nuance, I want bold colors – red, white and blue. … When I saw those [Navy sailors] on the boats on their knees, I mean, that sends a picture about America that I haven’t seen ever before. And I think we need Donald Trump right now. The country needs him, and he is only candidate for me – for me – that can stand up to the establishment, to the left and the right."

Watch Fox clip of Robert Davi on why "Donald Trump is the last hope for America":

Davi's many awards include the FBI's Man of the Year Award in Los Angeles, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a Special Recognition Award for dedication and service honoring America's service members and veterans, and, perhaps most notably, was named KNX Radio's "Citizen of the Week" for saving a young girl from a fire at her home.

"We continue to mourn the loss of Jerry Doyle, who truly can never be replaced," concludes Masters. "We do, however, welcome the powerhouse unique presence, talent and perspectives that Robert Davi brings to this role. I sincerely believe that this is a situation in which the passing of one legend is resulting in the launch of a new legend in the making."

Listen to a recent clip of Robert Davi guest hosting on Talk Radio Network.