Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Actor Abe Vigoda, Who Played Otis In "Good Burger", Has Died

Veteran actor Abe Vigoda, known for his roles as Salvatore 'Sal' Tessio in "The Godfather" franchise, Detective Phil Fish on "Barney Miller" and the grandpa in "Look Who's Talking," has sadly passed away today, Tuesday 26th January 2016, aged 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 added.


Abe lived alone in Manhattan but was staying with his daughter in New Jersey because of the recent winter storm.

"He was right there in my house. [...] I went into the kitchen to make coffee, came back and he was gone," Fuchs continued.

Described by his daughter as a non-judgmental man who would stop to shake the hands of homeless people who recognized him, Vigoda was also a beloved character actor famous for notable characters he portrayed throughout his decades-long career.

Vigoda is probably best known to '90s kids for his role as Otis in the "All That" movie spin-off "Good Burger." Otis was the crotchety old dude that everyone knew and loved who made the French Fries, and was wrongfully committed to Demented Hills along with Ed (Kel Mitchell) and Dexter Reed (Kenan Thompson), by Mondo Burger's boss Kurt Bozwell. Otis was also the character who delivered one of the film's most ~iconic~ lines: "Do you think you can get me to a hospital? I think I broke my ass."



Abe also starred as a Football player in a 2010 Super Bowl commercial for Snickers alongside Betty White.

Vigoda was a true master legend, even inspiring one California band to name themselves after him.

You can read more about Abe Vigoda and his life in the following touching tributes by ABC News:

Abe Vigoda, Sunken-Eyed Character Actor, Dead at 94 (ABC News)

Abe Vigoda Dead at 94: Remembering His Most Famous Roles (ABC News)

Abe Vigoda, Who Played Otis In 'Good Burger,' Has Died (MTV News)

Additional source: IMDb.