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 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for three years
