Abe Vigoda - R.I.P.

[Red Oak]

Character Abe Vigoda, whose leathery, sunken-eyed face made him ideal for playing the over-the-hill detective Phil Fish in the 1970s TV series "Barney Miller" and the doomed Mafia soldier in "The Godfather," died Tuesday at age 94.

Vigoda's daughter, Carol Vigoda Fuchs, told The Associated Press that Vigoda died Tuesday morning in his sleep at Fuchs' home in Woodland Park, New Jersey. The cause of death was old age. "This man was never sick," Fuchs said.

He liked to tell the story of how he won the role of Detective Fish. An exercise enthusiast, Vigoda had just returned from a five-mile jog when his agent called and told him to report immediately to the office of Danny Arnold, who was producing a pilot for a police station comedy.

Arnold remarked that Vigoda looked tired, and the actor explained about his jog. "You know, you look like you might have hemorrhoids," Arnold said. "What are you — a doctor or a producer?" Vigoda asked. He was cast on the spot.

[ralph]

I liked Fish on , think it was Barney Miller , rip !!

[BigTex]

Loved "Barney Miller." The spin-off "Fish" not so much.

[GFB]

Never would have guessed he was still alive.

[Ric]

oops.. didn't see this before I posted.. sorry

[grouchy]

oops.. didn't see this before I posted.. sorry

That's one.

[Ric]

oops.. didn't see this before I posted.. sorry

That's one.

I KNOW, Dammit.

[crocmommy]

He's probably know best for his role in Barney Miller, but I keep forgetting he was in the Godfather.