Godfather Star Abe Vigoda Dies Aged 94

Actor Abe Vigoda, best known for his role in ‘The Godfather’, has died at the age of 94. He passed away in his sleep at his daughter’s home.

The son of Jewish immigrants, Vigoda found fame in the 1970s having built a screen career that dates back to a first appearance on television in 1949.

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Reports of his ill-health circulated last week when Vigoda’s nephew Jesse Vigoda Kurland posted a message which then circulated online.

In the post Kurland said Vigoda had gone to a hospice and had stopped taking his medication. His daughter Carol Vigoda Fuchs told The Associated Press (via The New York Times) that he died in his sleep at her home on 26 January.

In Francis Ford Coppola’s crime masterpiece the actor played mobster Tessio (pictured below), and returned for its sequel in 1974. On the smaller screen he was best known for sitcom 'Barney Miller’ in which he played a detective in the series which ran for eight years.

He also enjoyed big screen roles in 'Look Who’s Talking’, animated superhero feature 'Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’ and 'Joe Versus The Volcano’.

In 1982 Vigoda’s death was mistakenly reported by People magazine, and then again in 1987. On both occasions he was referred to as “the late Abe Vigoda”.

He took news of the errors in good humour, making light of them in a skit on 'Late Night with David Letterman’ and in Kenan and Kel’s big screen 90s comedy 'Good Burger’.

Rest in peace Mr Vigoda.

Picture Credits: WENN / Paramount Pictures.