Actor Abe Vigoda of The Godfather Dies at 94

Abe Vigoda, most notably known for his roles in The Godfather and Barney Miller, has died at the age of 94.  

Born in New York City in 1921, he went on to attend the Theater School of Dramatic Arts at Carnegie Hall.  Initially beginning his career in the Broadway sector, Vigoda made a name for himself after he was casted in the 1972 blockbuster The Godfather and gained further recognition for playing Detective Sgt. Phil Fish on Barney Miller.

On January 22, 2016, Vigoda’s nephew, Jesse Vigoda Kurland, reported that Vigoda had been committed into a hospice, having stopped taking his medication.  There have been mistaken reports of his death since 1982, making Vigoda the subject of many running gags.  But it is confirmed as of today, that he has passed away due to old age.

Vigoda’s daughter, Carol Vigoda Fuchs, told The Associated Press that her father died in his sleep at her home in Woodland Park, New Jersey.