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American veteran actor dies aged 94

Abe Vigoda, the American actor who played Sal Tessio in the legendary Godfather film series, has died in his sleep at his daughter's home.

Abe Vigoda

Abe Vigoda, the American actor who played Sal Tessio in the legendary Godfather film series, has died in his sleep at his daughter's home. He was 94 years old.

His daughter, Carol Vigoda Fuchs, has officially confirmed her father's death to the Associated Press giving the cause as simply "old age."

Vigoda is best known for his portrayal of Sal Tessio, a friend of patriarch Vito Corleone who tried to take over Corleone's crime family after he died. His attempts to overthrow the family structure were famously thwarted by Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, leading to Tessio's violent death.

Vigoda landed the role of Tessio in an "open call," which allowed aspiring actors without agents to try their luck at an audition.

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The older generation will also remember Vigoda for his long-running role as Detective Sgt. Phil Fish on Barney Miller and the spinoff show, Fish. A role that he also landed in an unusual fashion after being summoned to the interview straight after a strenuous jog.

Famous for stumbling into the spotlight later in life, Vigido had a heartening message for anyone who feels like they should have accomplished success during their youth.

Credit: Movie Pilot

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