TV! Search

Abe Vigoda

  • Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
  • Birthday: February 24, 1921

Image was everything in Hollywood, and Abe Vigoda’s unusual look became his ticket to fame and fortune. The slouchy, dour-faced character actor was best known for playing gritty, Mafioso types, most notably as the scheming Tessio in “The Godfather” (1972) and its 1974 sequel. But he was definitely more than just a tough guy; he was also a gifted comedic actor. Audiences remembered him as the aging, cynical Detective Sgt. Phil Fish on the hit sitcom “Barney Miller” (ABC, 1975-1982) – a role that earned Vigoda Emmy nominations for Out…more

Career Milestones

  • 1982

    Erroneously reported as having died by PEOPLE magazine; Vigoda has claimed this cost him work

  • 1978

    After "Fish" went off the air, asked to return to "Barney Miller", but the producers felt he wanted too much money and turned him down (date approximate)

  • 1976

    Vigoda was booked into another project that delayed the start of shooting the second season of "Barney Miller"; producer Danny Arnold insisted that he report for work; Vigoda sued, and Arnold countersued (daate approximate)

  • 1974

    Reprised the role of Tessio for the feature sequel-cum-prequal, "The Godfather, Part II"

  • 1973

    First TV-movie, "The Devil's Daughter"

Awards

  • 1979

    Israel Cultural Award:

Upcoming Appearances

In Law

Sunday, Nov 15 at 07:00 am TNT

Full Episode Info
More Upcoming Appearances

TV Listings

Eastern Time Zone Stand ...

TV Listings Setup »
Got Tivo? Record Now