Actor Abe Vigoda, who played Sal Tessio in The Godfather films, has died aged 94.
He passed away in his sleep from old age at his daughter's home in Woodland Park, New Jersey on Tuesday, January 26. His daughter Carol Vigoda Fuchs confirmed the news to The Associated Press.
Vigoda is probably best known for appearing in Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 Oscar-winning film The Godfather as a long-time henchman of the Corleone crime family.
In a statement, his Godfather co-star Robert Duvall said: "It was great working with Abe in The Godfather and wonderful to have him among us.
"We had some great memories together, and he will really be missed."
Vigoda subsequently found great success on TV in the 1970s ABC sitcom Barney Miller, playing world-weary Detective Phil Fish. He earned three consecutive Emmy Award nominations for the role, and later had his own spin-off show called Fish which ran for two seasons from 1977-78.
The New York born star began his career in 1947 and worked in theatre for 30 years, appearing in Broadway productions such as Marat/Sade, The Man in the Glass Booth and Tough to Get Help.
He was married twice, most recently to Beatrice Schy who died in 1992. He is survived by his daughter, grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Bogus reports about the actor's death circulated many times during his long career, beginning in 1982 when People magazine said that "the late" Vigoda did not attend a wrap party. The actor took the reports in his stride, and they became a running joke over the years.
Since the news of his death broke, fans have paid tribute to the legendary actor on Twitter.
#AbeVigoda is gone. What a life. What a career. What a warm & funny man he was. His performance in 'Godfather' still amazes me.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) January 26, 2016
Abe Vigoda has passed. A testament to him that he was so memorable as Sal Tessio in such company in The Godfather. pic.twitter.com/mnyu3IMHFz
— Ed Smith (@edsongsofpraise) January 26, 2016
I met Abe Vigoda at a urinal. He was so kind. I told him I loved his work and he said, "right now?" His portrayal of Sal Tessio! RIP sir.
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) January 26, 2016
Damn. R.I.P. Abe Vigoda. Tell you what, everybody, let's just turn off 2016, turn it on again, and see if that makes things any better.
— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) January 26, 2016
