Vigoda (left) with Richard Castellano and Marlon Brando in "The Godfather" (1972)
By Lee Pfeiffer
Abe Vigoda, whose hang-dog expression and low-key mannerisms help propel him to fame, has passed away at age 94. Vigoda toiled in films and TV without notable success until director Francis Ford Coppola cast him in the key role of Tessio, a mob lieutenant in the Corleone crime family in the 1972 classic "The Godfather". Tessio was one of the most trusted "employees" of the Corleone family but following the death of its patriarch Vito Corleone, Tessio is discovered to be planning the assassination of the new godfather, Michael Corleone. Memorably he is led away to his execution with typical understated emotion. Vigoda's stock in the film industry rose immediately and he became a popular character actor, appearing in such films as "The Cheap Detective", "The Don is Dead", "Newman's Law", "Look Who's Talking" and "The Cannonball Run II...
By Lee Pfeiffer
Abe Vigoda, whose hang-dog expression and low-key mannerisms help propel him to fame, has passed away at age 94. Vigoda toiled in films and TV without notable success until director Francis Ford Coppola cast him in the key role of Tessio, a mob lieutenant in the Corleone crime family in the 1972 classic "The Godfather". Tessio was one of the most trusted "employees" of the Corleone family but following the death of its patriarch Vito Corleone, Tessio is discovered to be planning the assassination of the new godfather, Michael Corleone. Memorably he is led away to his execution with typical understated emotion. Vigoda's stock in the film industry rose immediately and he became a popular character actor, appearing in such films as "The Cheap Detective", "The Don is Dead", "Newman's Law", "Look Who's Talking" and "The Cannonball Run II...
- 1/26/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Abe Vigoda, a veteran character actor best known for roles in "The Godfather" and sitcom "Barney Miller," has died. He was 94.
Vigoda, who passed away in New Jersey of natural causes, became known for his signature hangdog appearance, and was the repeated target of death hoaxes frequently touting his demise. That odd occurrence became a running joke throughout the latter half of his career.
The then-middle-aged actor was all but unknown when he landed the role of Tessio in 1972's "The Godfather," a part he reprised as part of a flashback in "The Godfather Part II" in 1974. He went on to appear in film such as "The Don Is Dead," "Newman's Law," "The Cheap Detective," "Joe Versus the Volcano," and "Jury Duty."
But television took up much of the rest of Vigoda's career, where he shone as always-on-the-verge-of-retiring Detective Phil Fish on beloved comedy series "Barney Miller." The character...
Vigoda, who passed away in New Jersey of natural causes, became known for his signature hangdog appearance, and was the repeated target of death hoaxes frequently touting his demise. That odd occurrence became a running joke throughout the latter half of his career.
The then-middle-aged actor was all but unknown when he landed the role of Tessio in 1972's "The Godfather," a part he reprised as part of a flashback in "The Godfather Part II" in 1974. He went on to appear in film such as "The Don Is Dead," "Newman's Law," "The Cheap Detective," "Joe Versus the Volcano," and "Jury Duty."
But television took up much of the rest of Vigoda's career, where he shone as always-on-the-verge-of-retiring Detective Phil Fish on beloved comedy series "Barney Miller." The character...
- 1/26/2016
- by Katie Roberts
- Moviefone
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.