Val Bisoglio, an actor best known for his roles in “Saturday Night Fever” and the “Sopranos,” died last week at age 95.
The Italian-American character actor passed away Oct. 15 at his home near Los Olivos, California, his wife Bonnie Bisoglio revealed in a statement to NBC Monday. However, she didn’t specify the cause of death.
“He was my darling man,” said his widow. “He was very special.”
Born in New York City in 1926 to Italian immigrants, Bisoglio got his start on the stage, where he starred in iconic New York productions from “A View from the Bridge” to “Wait Until Dark.” He also appeared in Shakespeare in the Park with Arthur Penn.
Bisoglio is perhaps most famous for his portrayal of Tony Manero’s (John Travolta) abusive father Frank in the 1977 hit film “Saturday Night Fever.”
Over the course of his nearly 50-year career, the dramatist appeared in nearly 60 television shows and movies, including “M*A*S*H,” “Quincy, M.E.,” “Miami Vice” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” In his final role in 2002, the actor played Junior Soprano’s spacey caretaker Murf on “The Sopranos.”
Family and fans were devastated over the thespian’s passing.
“Great character actor #ValBisoglio has passed,” tweeted one crestfallen supporter, along with a screenshot of the iconic dinner scene from “Fever.” “We’ll mess up Tony’s hair for you, sir.”
Another admirer wrote, “He was a REALLY GREAT actor. Peace unto his soul, condolences to his wife, family, relatives & friends.”
Bisoglio is survived by his wife and three sons, Joseph Valentino Bisoglio, Sgt. Scott Chapman and Casey DeFranco.