RIP: Abe Vigoda (1921–2016)

The legendary film and television actor was ninety-four years old.
Film + TV
RIP: Abe Vigoda (1921–2016)

The legendary film and television actor was ninety-four years old.

Words: FLOOD Staff

photo courtesy of ABC Television

January 26, 2016

1977. Abe Vigoda. Photo courtesy of ABC Television

Early this morning, Abe Vigoda passed away peacefully in his New Jersey home due to natural causes. The star of stage and screen (both big and small) was ninety-four years old.

Most will first recognize Vigoda’s unique face with sunken features from The Godfather (1972) and ABC’s long-running show Barney Miller (and spinoff show Fish), but the memorable actor first broke onto the scene as a professional stage actor. Vigoda, born and raised in New York City, honed his exceptional craft on Broadway almost exclusively for two decades. After a solid career in theater—including roles in The Tempest, The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat, and Richard II—Vigoda transferred his talents to film and television. Beyond his two most famous roles as doomed mobster Tessio and Detective Sgt. Fish, Vigoda had a long career in both fields including big screen roles in 1989’s Look Who’s Talking, 1990’s Joe Versus the Volcano, and 1997’s Good Burger and small screen appearances on Law & Order, Wings, and As the World Turns.

In 1982, People magazine falsely claimed that Vigoda had passed, which started the actor’s second career as a cult icon. Vigoda appeared several times on Late Night with Conan O’Brien to confirm that he was still alive as well as be a part of some truly hilarious and ridiculous bits.

Vigoda spent his free time as an avid handball player. He is survived by his daughter, Carol.