Vigoda’s daughter confirmed the actor’s passing to the Associated Press, noting that Vigoda died simply of old age, adding “This man was never sick”. For most people, though, it was The Godfather and the reports about his death that turned Vigoda into something of a cultural icon in his later years, which is pretty good for a ninety year old.
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Vigoda’s breakout role was playing doomed mafia soldier Sal Tessio in the 1972 classic “The Godfather”.
According to CNN, Vigoda was working on a play in Calgary, Alberta, in 1982 when a reporter for People magazine went to the wrap party for the actor’s TV series, “Barney Miller”. Abe Vigoda – a character actor best known for his role in “The Godfather” – died in his sleep Tuesday morning. As Salvatore Tessio in “The Godfather”, Vigoda was at once an old school, reliable mentor and lethal betrayer of Michael Corleone. Mr. Vigoda continued making occasional guest appearances on “Barney Miller”, quitting over billing and salary differences. His career took an unexpected turn with appearances on NBC’s Late Night franchise, where he surfaced to refute claims of his death during the David Letterman era, and was a fixture of Conan O’Brien’s stint as host. The actor made his Broadway debut with a role in a revival of “The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat” in 1967, followed by “The Man in the Glass Booth” in 1968-69 and “Inquest” in 1970. At one point, Abe bought some ads in Hollywood trade papers that showed him grinning inside a coffin just to remind directors and producers that he was still above ground.
The character proved so popular, he was given a spinoff series, called “Fish”, that ran for two seasons, from 1977 to 1978; Vigoda returned to “Barney Miller” for one episode in 1981. In a lengthy stage career – he only became famous in his fifties in “Barney Miller” – he incarnated John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster in Joseph Papp’s production of “Richard II”, intoning the noted speech about “this scepter’d isle”. Vigoda also showed his acting prowess in dozens of movies such as “Cannonball Run II” in 1984, “Look Who’s Talking” in 1989, “Joe Versus the Volcano” in 1990, “Sugar Hill” in 1993 and “Underworld” in 1996. The storyline dealt with the detective’s domestic life and his relations with five street kids that he and his wife took into their home.
“‘The Godfather’ changed my life”, Vigoda said. I am very much moved.
Vigoda was married to Beatrice Schy from 25 February 1968 until her death in 1992. Survivors include a daughter from his second marriage; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
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Abe Vigoda is the latest prominent actor to pass away this year, but the actor leaves behind a great legacy of movies and TV shows.
