Actor Abe Vigoda, best known for his roles in the TV series Barney Miller and The Godfather films has passed away of old age at 94.

ABC News reports Vigoda’s daughter, Carol Vigoda Fuchs, confirmed his passing to The Associated Press.

Vigoda’s acting career spanned over 60 years. In 1972, he played Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in The Godfather, a low-level hoodlum who befriends Vito Corleone before Corleone rose to power in the Mafia underworld.


The actor reprised his role in The Godfather II in 1974, the same year he starred as Detective Phil Fish in the comedy TV series Barney Miller. Some considered Vigoda the "real" star of Barney Miller and his popularity resulted in a spinoff show called Fish. He also lent his voice to The Godfather video game.

Curiously, almost 30 years ago, a false report of Vigoda’s death began a long-running joke of whether he was dead or alive. A website called “Is Abe Vigoda dead?” was created to confirm the actor was indeed alive. Sadly, the site has been updated with a “Yes” in regards to his passing.