Godfather actor Vigoda dies at 94
American character actor Abe Vigoda, best known for his role in The Godfather and the 1970s TV series Barney Miller, has died at age 94.
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Vigoda died in his sleep on Tuesday at his daughter's home in New Jersey.
Carol Vigoda Fuchs said her father died of natural causes.
"This man was never sick," she said.
Vigoda was a little known supporting actor in the New York City theatre scene when Francis Ford Coppola cast him as the doomed Mafia soldier in the 1972 Oscar-winner, The Godfather.
The Brooklyn native portrayed the long-time friend of mob boss Vito Corleone, Sal Tessio, who met his demise on the orders of the kingpin's son after he suspected a plot to betray the family.
The success of the film led to numerous roles for Vigoda, none remembered more than his comic turn as Detective Fish on the hit TV series Barney Miller.
He picked up three supporting-actor Emmy nominations for his popular portrayal of the grumpy and deadpan detective.
Vigoda was a regular on the show starring actor Hal Linden until 1977, when the network created a spin-off called Fish. The show lasted little over one full season.
Known for his unique look and voice, Vigoda continued to be offered roles late into his career, including Cannonball Run II, Look Who's Talking, Joe Versus The Volcano and North.
The actor became part of a running late-night show gag after People magazine mistakenly declared him "the late Abe Vigoda" in 1982.
Source: Skynews