The Lambs sadly marks the passing of member Abe Vigoda, best known for his role of Sal Tessio in The Godfather, and as Detective Phil Fish on the TV series Barney Miller. Abe joined The Lambs in 2002 and a few years later was recognized as an Honorary Lifetime member.

(Photo: Marc Baron, Abe Vigoda and Cliff Robertson at an event at The Lambs.)

What many don’t know about Abe was his love of theater, Shakespeare and musical theater. He would often join other members around the piano after our weekly Low Jinks, and join in on the free-for-all singing. Always a gentleman, Abe was always encouraging others in the business. He would often bring his daughter, Carol, to The Lambs, and we offer our sincere condolences to her and their family.

SAG-AFTRA celebrates the life and legacy of Abe Vigoda. “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Abe Vigoda,” said SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard. “As a performer of the highest caliber and a fellow member of The Lambs, he will be dearly missed.”

You can more about Abe and his career by clicking on these reports.:

 NBC News     NY Times    ABC News     Hollywood Reporter
USA Today    NY Daily News    Variety    CinemaRetro

Below are some photos of Abe at various events at The Lambs: