Abe Vigoda
Details
- Also Known As:
- Abraham Charles Vigoda
- Date of Birth:
- May 24, 1921
- Height:
- 6' 1"
- Hometown:
- Brooklyn
Bio:
Abe Vigoda (Abraham Charles Vigoda on Feb. 24, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American film and television actor. He landed his most famous role in 1972, playing the elderly mobster Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather. Abe’s next big role was the part of Detective Sgt. Phil Fish on TV sitcom Barney Miller. He later got a spin-off show, which lasted for 3 seasons before it was cancelled due to salary demands. After a long and healthy career, Abe passed away in his sleep on Jan. 26, 2016. He was 94 years old.
Best Known For:
Abe was best known for his role of elderly gangster Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather, and playing Phil Fish in Barney Miller.
Personal Life:
Abe was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Samuel and Lena Vigoda, who were Jewish immigrants from Russia. His father was a tailor, and he had three brothers – one of whom was Archie comic artist Bill Vigoda. Abe married Beatrice Schy on February 25, 1968, and was with her until her death on April 30, 1992. They couple had one daughter together named Carol.