Actor Abe Vigoda Dead at 94

Character actor Abe Vigoda, who many will remember as the curmudgeonly detective Phil Fish in the 1970’s TV series “Barney Miller” has died.

FOX’s Michelle Pollino reports:

Abe Vigoda, who starred in the 1970’s TV series “Barney Miller” as Fish died in his sleep of natural causes, according to his daughter.

Vigoda was thrust into fame after director Francis Ford Coppola cast him in the 1972 Oscar-winning film “The Godfather.” Vigoda played Sal Tessio.

Vigoda’s acting career started in 1949. He worked until 2008, but it was “Barney Miller” that brought him national recognition.

(Barney Miller) “The old guy just went bang zoom boom… What do you think you’re playing with kids?”

He was such a beloved character, he even had his own spin off series aptly named “Fish.”

He was 94 years old.

Michelle Pollino, FOX News.