Beloved Actor Michael DeLano Passes Away at 84
Michael DeLano, the talented actor and singer who gained fame for his roles in TV shows like "Rhoda" and the films "Ocean's Eleven," has passed away. The veteran actor was just 84 years old when he succumbed to a fatal heart attack on October 20, according to his wife Jean DeLano.
A prolific performer, DeLano enjoyed a long and varied career in show business, taking on numerous roles in TV shows and films. Born Michael Ace Del Fatti, he first gained recognition as a regular dancer on the popular music program "American Bandstand" while still living in his hometown of Philadelphia. He also served in the Army before pursuing a record deal, acting in stage musicals, and eventually adopting the stage name Michael DeLano.
One of DeLano's most notable roles came when he joined the cast of "Rhoda" as Johnny Venture, a lounge singer who becomes romantically involved with Rhoda, played by Valerie Harper. The show, which was a spinoff of the hit series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," ran for three seasons and cemented DeLano's reputation as a talented performer.
In addition to his work on "Rhoda," DeLano appeared in numerous other TV shows, including "Wonder Woman," "Starsky and Hutch," "Charlie's Angels," and "Hill Street Blues." He also lent his voice to several films, including the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger movie "Commando."
DeLano's later career saw him take on a more subtle role as a casino manager in the 2001 film "Ocean's Eleven" and its 2004 sequel, "Ocean's Twelve." His final acting stint was in two episodes of the TV show "Royal Pains" in 2012.
In recent years, DeLano focused on music, performing regularly at the Dispensary Lounge on Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas. The news of his passing comes as a shock to fans and fellow performers who will miss his talent and dedication to his craft.
DeLano is survived by his wife, one daughter, and three grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that will be cherished for years to come.
Michael DeLano, the talented actor and singer who gained fame for his roles in TV shows like "Rhoda" and the films "Ocean's Eleven," has passed away. The veteran actor was just 84 years old when he succumbed to a fatal heart attack on October 20, according to his wife Jean DeLano.
A prolific performer, DeLano enjoyed a long and varied career in show business, taking on numerous roles in TV shows and films. Born Michael Ace Del Fatti, he first gained recognition as a regular dancer on the popular music program "American Bandstand" while still living in his hometown of Philadelphia. He also served in the Army before pursuing a record deal, acting in stage musicals, and eventually adopting the stage name Michael DeLano.
One of DeLano's most notable roles came when he joined the cast of "Rhoda" as Johnny Venture, a lounge singer who becomes romantically involved with Rhoda, played by Valerie Harper. The show, which was a spinoff of the hit series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," ran for three seasons and cemented DeLano's reputation as a talented performer.
In addition to his work on "Rhoda," DeLano appeared in numerous other TV shows, including "Wonder Woman," "Starsky and Hutch," "Charlie's Angels," and "Hill Street Blues." He also lent his voice to several films, including the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger movie "Commando."
DeLano's later career saw him take on a more subtle role as a casino manager in the 2001 film "Ocean's Eleven" and its 2004 sequel, "Ocean's Twelve." His final acting stint was in two episodes of the TV show "Royal Pains" in 2012.
In recent years, DeLano focused on music, performing regularly at the Dispensary Lounge on Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas. The news of his passing comes as a shock to fans and fellow performers who will miss his talent and dedication to his craft.
DeLano is survived by his wife, one daughter, and three grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that will be cherished for years to come.