Tribute: Abe Vigoda

Was Abe Vigoda ever young? It seems hard to imagine. He is so indelibly fixed in our imaginations as the laconic, seen-in-all-and-was-not-impressed-by-it old guy. He has been old as long as most of us can remember. Today, we mourn his loss at the age of 94.

He was in his 50’s when he played Tessio in “The Godfather.” Look how much he brought to this scene, the understanding of what is happening to him, and why, and what has brought him to this moment. He is sad, but not angry. He auditioned for the part at an open call and was selected over 500 other actors. In the last few years, he provided a voice for the “Godfather” video games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d30Y0n1nDH4

His deadpan delivery was one of the highlights of the terrific television series “Barney Miller.” When the series ended, his character had a brief spin-off called “Fish.”

We will miss him. May his memory be a blessing.