Born: February 24, 1921 – Died: January 26, 2016
Abe Vigoda, a distinctive presence in both dramatic and comedic roles, remains etched in the annals of Hollywood for his unique blend of talent and character. Born in New York City (Brooklyn), to Russian Jewish immigrants Lena (Moses) and Samuel Vigoda, a tailor, Abe's journey from the humble beginnings on the Lower East Side to the glitz of Hollywood is a testament to his perseverance and passion for acting.
Early Life and Career
Vigoda's journey into acting began early. He first graced the stage at 17, navigating through small theater shows for over two decades. His tenacity paid off when he first caught the public eye as the double-crossing Tessio in The Godfather (1972), a role that showcased his remarkable talent for portraying complex characters. But it was his portrayal of Sgt. Phil Fish on the sitcom "Barney Miller" and its spinoff "Fish" that cemented his place in the entertainment industry, displaying his flair for comedy.
Vigoda's career spanned several decades, marked by diverse roles that ranged from gritty dramas to light-hearted sitcoms. He was a regular face on television, appearing in shows like "The Rockford Files," "Hawaii Five-O," and "As the World Turns." Despite rumors of his death in the mid-1980s, Vigoda continued to entertain audiences well into his 90s, proving his resilience and dedication to his craft.
Aside from his professional achievements, Vigoda's personal life was equally rich and diverse. Married to Beatrice Schy until her death in 1992, he was also known for his other talents and interests. Despite facing occasional controversies, he remained a respected figure in Hollywood. His philanthropic endeavors, though less publicized, were a significant part of his life, showcasing his commitment to giving back to the community.
In summary, Abe Vigoda's impact on Hollywood goes beyond his memorable roles. He stands as an icon not just for his artistic contributions but for his enduring spirit and ability to connect with audiences across generations. His unique blend of dramatic and comedic talents made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and his legacy continues to inspire actors and fans alike.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | High School USA! (TV Series) | Otto (voice) |
| 2007 | The Unknown Trilogy | Uncle Morty (segment "Frankie the Squirrel") |
| 2007 | The Godfather: Blackhand Edition (Video Game) | Sal Tessio (voice) |
| 2005–2007 | Late Night with Conan O'Brien (TV Series) | Ground Vigoda | Abe-rod | Lobster (uncredited) ... |
| 2006 | Farce of the Penguins | Penguin from Boca (voice) |
| 2006 | The Godfather: Mob Wars (Video Game) | Salvatore Tessio (voice) |
| 2006 | The Godfather (Video Game) | Salvatore Tessio (voice) |
| 2014 | Sweet Destiny | Unknown |
| 2003 | Crime Spree | Angelo Giancarlo |
| 2001 | Family Guy (TV Series) | Abe Vigoda (voice) |
| 2001 | Deadline (TV Series) | Joseph Spiaggio |
| 2000 | Manhattan, AZ (TV Series) | Ben |
| 2000 | Tea Cakes or Cannoli | Unknown |
| 2000 | Chump Change | The Frog |
| 1999 | Norm (TV Series) | Sal |
| 1999 | Mad About You (TV Series) | Kalman Wertzel |
| 1998 | Viva Variety (TV Series) | Guest |
| 1998 | Just the Ticket | Arty |
| 1998 | Promised Land (TV Series) | Albert Spokaine |
| 1998 | Witness to the Mob (TV Movie) | Paul Castellano |
| 1998 | A Brooklyn State of Mind | Uncle Guy |
| 1997 | Farticus | Zeus |
| 1997 | *Good Burger* | Otis |
| 1997 | Touched by an Angel (TV Series) | Receptionist Angel |
| 1996 | Wings (TV Series) | Harry |
| 1996 | A Christmas Journey Home | Grandpa |
| 1996 | Underworld | Will Cassady |
| 1996 | Love Is All There Is | Rudy |
| 1996 | Weird Science (TV Series) | Old Man Lisa |
| 1996 | Law & Order (TV Series) | Detective Landis |
| 1995 | The Misery Brothers | Don Frito Layleone |
| 1995 | Home of Angels | Grandpa |
| 1995 | Jury Duty | Judge Powell |
| 1994 | Diagnosis Murder (TV Series) | Alfredo Bartolo | Al Bartell | Mr. Johnson |
| 1994 | North | Alaskan Grandpa |
| 1993 | Batman: Mask of the Phantasm | Salvatore Valestra (voice) |
| 1993 | Sugar Hill | Gus Molino |
| 1993 | Me and the Kid | Pawn Broker |
| 1993 | Fist of Honor | Victor Malucci |
| 1992 | Lucky Luke (TV Series) | Judge Rinehart |
| 1991 | Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) | George |
| 1990 | The New Adventures of the Black Stallion (TV Series) | D. J. Lancaster |
| 1990 | MacGyver (TV Series) | Bill Cody |
| 1990 | Monsters (TV Series) | Dolan |
| 1990 | Joe Versus the Volcano | Chief of the Waponis |
| 1990 | Keaton's Cop | Louis Keaton |
| 1989 | Prancer | Orel Benton |
| 1989 | Look Who's Talking | Grandpa |
| 1989 | Santa Barbara (TV Series) | Lyle DeFranco |
| 1989 | B.L. Stryker (TV Series) | Clayton Baskin |
| 1988 | Superboy (TV Series) | Mr. Wagner |
| 1988 | Plain Clothes | Mr. Wiseman |
| 1986 | Vasectomy: A Delicate Matter | Detective Abe Fossi |
| 1986 | Tales from the Darkside (TV Series) | Jake Corelli |
| 1985 | The Stuff | Special Guest Star in Stuff Commercial |
| 1984 | The New Mike Hammer (TV Series) | Arthur |
| 1984 | Cannonball Run II | Caesar |
| 1981 | Harper Valley P.T.A. (TV Series) | Slick |
| 1974–1981 | Barney Miller (TV Series) | Det. Phil Fish | Det. Philip K. 'Phil' Fish |
| 1981 | The Big Stuffed Dog (TV Movie) | Carnival Pitchman |
| 1980 | Gridlock (TV Movie) | Herb |
| 1980 | The Littlest Hobo (TV Series) | Howard Mattson |
| 1979 | B.J. and the Bear (TV Series) | Grandpa Ben Rule |
| 1979 | Death Car on the Freeway (TV Movie) | Mr. Frisch |
| 1979 | Fantasy Island (TV Series) | Joe Lange | Sid Gordon |
| 1979 | Eight Is Enough (TV Series) | Ben Ryan |
| 1979 | Supertrain (TV Series) | Ray Yellburton |
| 1979 | Sweepstakes (TV Series) | Anthony |
| 1979 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Charlie Fletcher |
| 1978 | How to Pick Up Girls! (TV Movie) | Nathan Perlmutter |
| 1974–1978 | The Rockford Files (TV Series) | Phil 'The Dancer' Gabriel | Al Dancer |
| 1978 | Vega$ (TV Series) | Max |
| 1978 | The Comedy Company (TV Movie) | Jake |
| 1978 | The Cheap Detective | Sgt. Rizzuto |
| 1977–1978 | Fish (TV Series) | Det. Phil Fish |
| 1977 | The Godfather Saga (TV Mini Series) | Sal Tessio (uncredited) |
| 1976 | The Bionic Woman (TV Series) | Barlow |
| 1976 | Having Babies (TV Movie) | Al Schneider |
| 1975 | Cannon (TV Series) | Mr. Couzellous |
| 1974 | *The Godfather Part ii | Tessio |
| 1974 | Kojak (TV Series) | Kilty |
| 1974 | Hawaii Five-O (TV Series) | Abe Kemper |
| 1974 | Newman's Law | John Dellanzia |
| 1974 | The Story of Pretty Boy Floyd (TV Movie) | Dominic Morrell |
| 1973–1974 | Toma (TV Series) | Carl Bello | Donzer |
| 1974 | The Rookies (TV Series) | Michael Lance |
| 1973 | Love, American Style (TV Series) | Mr. Burdick (segment "Love and the Unwedding") (uncredited) |
| 1973 | The Don Is Dead | Don Talusso |
| 1973 | Mannix (TV Series) | Anton Valine |
| 1973 | The Devil's Daughter (TV Movie) | Alikhine |
| 1972 | The Sandy Duncan Show (TV Series) | Mr. Samuelson |
| 1972 | *The Godfather* | Sal Tessio |
| 1969–1970 | Dark Shadows (TV Series) | Otis Greene | Ezra Braithwaite |
| 1965 | Three Rooms in Manhattan | Waiter (uncredited) |
| 1956 | As the World Turns (TV Series) | Joe Kravitz (1985) |
| 1951 | All Star Revue (TV Series) | Guest Comic | Cab Driver |
| 1949 | Studio One (TV Series) | Old Train Passenger |
| 1949 | Suspense (TV Series) | Unknown |
General:
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