Abe Vigoda: Age, Height, Wiki, Bio, Net Worth, and Wife

Abe Vigoda was a legendary American actor best remembered for his iconic role as Sal Tessio in The Godfather and Detective Phil Fish on the sitcom Barney Miller. His career spanned over six decades, making him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors.

Full Name	Abe Vigoda
Profession	Movie Actor
Date of Birth	February 24, 1921
Date of Death	January 26, 2016
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York
Famous For	The Godfather, Barney Miller

Early Life & Background

Abe Vigoda was born on February 24, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in Brooklyn during the 1920s and 1930s, he developed an early interest in acting. His Pisces nature gave him the emotional depth that would later define his most memorable performances.

How Did Abe Vigoda Start Acting?

Abe began his career with small roles on the television series Studio One in the early days of television. His film debut came in 1953 with The Joe Louis Story, marking the start of what would become a legendary career in entertainment.

Career Breakthrough

While Abe worked steadily for decades, his breakthrough came when he was cast as Sal Tessio in Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece The Godfather in 1972. This role, though relatively small, became one of cinema’s most memorable performances.

Barney Miller Success

Following his success in The Godfather, Abe landed the role of Detective Phil Fish on the sitcom Barney Miller. The character became so popular that he received his own spin-off series called Fish, which ran from 1977 to 1978.

Notable Film Appearances

Throughout his career, Abe appeared in numerous films including:

The Godfather (1972) – As Sal Tessio
Good Burger (1997)
Look Who’s Talking (1989)
Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)
Jury Duty (1995)

Personal Life & Family

Abe Vigoda was married to Beatrice Schy from 1968 until her death in 1992. Their marriage lasted 24 years and was marked by mutual devotion. He had one daughter named Carol Vigoda.

Family Background

His brother, Bill Vigoda, was a comic-book artist involved with the famous Archie franchise. This artistic family background influenced Abe’s own creative pursuits.

The Famous Obituary Mistake

In 1982, Time Magazine made a memorable error by prematurely publishing Abe Vigoda’s obituary. Rather than being upset, Abe found the entire situation amusing. This mistake became a running joke throughout his career, with Abe often posing for photos holding newspapers declaring him dead. The incident became so famous that it defined part of his public persona.

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What Was Abe Vigoda’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death in 2016, Abe Vigoda’s estimated net worth was approximately $10 million. His wealth came from decades of steady work in television and film, including residuals from his iconic roles.

Income Sources

Film roles (The Godfather residuals)
Television work (Barney Miller, Fish)
Guest appearances
Commercials and endorsements

Height & Physical Appearance

Abe Vigoda stood approximately 6 feet tall. His distinctive hangdog features and expressive face made him perfect for both dramatic and comedic roles. His unique look became his trademark throughout his career.

Working With Hollywood Legends

Abe had the privilege of working with some of cinema’s greatest talents. He starred alongside Al Pacino in The Godfather, creating one of the film’s most memorable dynamics. His scene where Sal Tessio realizes his fate remains one of the movie’s most powerful moments.

Career Longevity

Abe’s career spanned from the 1950s through the 2010s, making him one of Hollywood’s most enduring character actors. He continued working well into his 90s, appearing in various television shows and films.

Notable Facts & Trivia

Comedy Career: Despite being known for dramatic roles, Abe successfully transitioned to comedy with Barney Miller and films like Good Burger.

Cultural Icon: The premature obituary incident made him a cultural phenomenon, with websites tracking whether he was alive or dead.

Work Ethic: Abe remained active in Hollywood until shortly before his death at age 94.

Final Years

Abe Vigoda passed away on January 26, 2016, at the age of 94. His death came just weeks before his 95th birthday. The entertainment industry mourned the loss of a true character actor who had brought joy and memorable performances to millions.

Legacy & Impact

Abe Vigoda left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances. His work in The Godfather alone secured his place in cinema history, while Barney Miller introduced him to television audiences for generations.