Michael DeLano, the actor and singer known to many for his roles in “Rhoda” and the “Ocean’s Eleven” movies, has passed away at the age of 84.
His wife, Jean DeLano, shared that he suffered a heart attack on October 20th and died in a Las Vegas hospital.
DeLano’s career spanned many areas of entertainment. Before he was known as Michael DeLano, he was Michael Ace Del Fatti, a young dancer on “American Bandstand” back when it was filmed in Philadelphia. He also proudly served his country in the Army.
The 1960s brought him a record deal, roles in stage musicals, and the stage name we know him by.
In the 1970s, DeLano appeared in shows like “Adam-12,” “General Hospital,” and “Barnaby Jones,” before landing a regular role on “Firehouse.” Many remember him as Johnny Venture, the lounge singer who tried to win Rhoda’s heart on the show “Rhoda.”
He also made appearances on “Wonder Woman,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Hill Street Blues.”
DeLano’s movie roles included parts in “9 to 5,” “Commando” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the “Ocean’s Eleven” movies.
His last acting role was in 2012, with two episodes of “Royal Pains.”
Lately, DeLano had returned to his musical roots, performing regularly at the Dispensary Lounge in Las Vegas.
He leaves behind his wife, a daughter, and three grandchildren.
