Posted on 01/26/2016 11:28:17 AM PST by massmike
Character Abe Vigoda, whose leathery, sunken-eyed face made him ideal for playing the over-the-hill detective Phil Fish in the 1970s TV series "Barney Miller" and the doomed Mafia soldier in "The Godfather," died Tuesday at age 94.
Vigoda's daughter, Carol Vigoda Fuchs, told The Associated Press that Vigoda died Tuesday morning in his sleep at Fuchs' home in Woodland Park, New Jersey. The cause of death was old age. "This man was never sick," Fuchs said.
He liked to tell the story of how he won the role of Detective Fish. An exercise enthusiast, Vigoda had just returned from a five-mile jog when his agent called and told him to report immediately to the office of Danny Arnold, who was producing a pilot for a police station comedy.
Arnold remarked that Vigoda looked tired, and the actor explained about his jog. "You know, you look like you might have hemorrhoids," Arnold said. "What are you — a doctor or a producer?" Vigoda asked. He was cast on the spot.
"The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows," a reference book, commented that Vigoda was the hit of "Barney Miller." ''Not only did he look incredible, he sounded and acted like every breath might be his last," it said. "Fish was always on the verge of retirement, and his worst day was when the station house toilet broke down."
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
I thinking Keith Richards going outlive all of us
I think he is Highlander LOL!
BTW folks if you get HBO on Demand they were showing the broadcast edited version of Godfather epic the 7 hour version that sold to NBC network back in the 1970s including Deleted scenes
If she lives Olivia de Havilland will turn 100 this July 1st. According to wiki in an interview a year ago she said she is working on her autobiography.
I’ve seen “Barney Miller” on TVLand or likewise channels. Excellent program.
He did look old, I was surprised to find he was younger than Co-Star Jack Soo (who died of cancer during the show’s run).
94 is good run. RIP.
I wonder if the Israelite Abe Vigoda accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior?
Jack Soo: I always wanted to pinch him and scream “NUMBER 6 WITH WHITE RICE!!!” at him.
“Jack Goo” would make a great porn name.
I liked Fish as a hapless mobster in “Cannonball Run 2”, which was Frank Sinatra’s last movie.
Rumors of his death came up years ago and the rumors sprung a website and a Firefox add-on. Until yesterday the page hadn't changed other than the date.
Jefferson Airplane guitarist Paul Kantner dead at 74
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