In 1982, after People magazine declared him dead, Vigoda posed for a Variety photograph while sitting up in a coffin and holding the erroneous issue.
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Beloved character actor Abe Vigoda, known for his roles on Barney Miller and in The Godfather, died at his daughter’s home in New Jersey this morning.
Sadly, this time it’s not a hoax.
Vigota was known for his roles in “The Godfather” and the 1970s TV series “Barney Miller”.
He was also the grandfather in the 1980s comedy film “Look Who’s Talking”. In 1987, a WWOR television station reporter in Secaucus, NJ, referred to “the late Abe Vigoda” and corrected herself the next day. That sitcom even turned his death hoaxes into a plotline.
His first major role was in The Godfather, in which he played Sal Tessio, a friend of the family who hopes to take over after Vito’s death.
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Vigoda is survived by his daughter Carol, his grandchildren Jamie, Steven, and Paul, and a great-grandchild. He was married to Beatrice Schy from 1968 until 1992 until she passed away.
