Abraham Charles “Abe” Vigoda was born on February 24, 1921, and died on January 26, 2016.
He was an American film and television actor.
Abe was known for a diversity of roles, particularly his portrayals of Salvatore Tessio in the Francis Ford Coppola film The Godfather, and for his portrayal of Detective Sgt.
Mr. Vigoda earned acting notability in the 1960s with his work in Broadway productions, including Marat/Sade (1967) playing “Mad Animal”, The Man in the Glass Booth (1968) playing “Landau”, Inquest (1970), and Tough to Get Help (1972).
Abraham best-known film role is that of elder mobster Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather (1972).
He has worked with Phil Fish on the television sitcom series Barney Miller from 1975 to 1977 and its spinoff show Fish in 1978, both on ABC.
After mistaking reports of his death in 1982 and 1987, he was the subject of several running gags as to whether he was dead or alive.
His wife was Beatrice Schy from February 25, 1968, until her death on April 30, 1992.
They had one daughter, Carol.
Abraham Charles “Abe” Vigoda enjoyed playing handball and stated in an interview that he was “almost” a champion at the game in his youth.
Abe was survived by his daughter, three grandchildren and a great-grandson
Abraham Charles “Abe” Vigoda passed away at 94 yrs old, at his daughter’s home in Woodland Park, New Jersey.