John Nicholas Cassavetes was a Greek-American actor, screenwriter and filmmaker. He appeared in many Hollywood films. He is most notable as an pioneer of American independent film. His films are noted for their use of improvisation and a realistic cinéma vérité style.Cassavetes was born in New York City, the son of Katherine Cassavetes (who was to feature in some of his films) and Nicholas John Cassavetes, Greek immigrants to the U.S. His early years were spent with his family in Greece; when he returned, at the age of seven, he spoke no English. He grew up on Long Island, New York. He attended Port Washington High School from 1945 to 1947, participating in Port Weekly (the school paper), Red Domino (interclass play), football, and the Port Light (yearbook).