Abe Vigoda’s daughter angry that Oscars ignored actor
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Actor Abe Vigoda arrived at the 2011 TV Land Awards in New York in April 2011. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences omitted Vigoda from the “In Memoriam” package on Sunday during the Oscars, and his daughter is incensed.
NEW YORK » Famously long rumored to be dead, beloved character actor Abe Vigoda died for real in January at age 94. But the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences didn’t seem to notice.
In any case, it omitted Vigoda from the “In Memoriam” package on Sunday’s Oscarcast, and his daughter is incensed.
“Abe’s family feels disappointed and cheated by the Academy,” said Carol Vigoda Fuchs today. “Abe gave his life and heart to acting, and a simple tribute in recognition of his devotion was overlooked.”
Vigoda, of course, was unforgettable in “The Godfather” for his performance as Salvatore “Sal” Tessio, the doomed Mafia soldier.
So Fuchs wonders why the Academy forgot him, even as it paid tribute to Alex Rocco, seen in the same 1972 film as Las Vegas casino owner Moe Green. Rocco, who died last July at age 79, was among the four dozen industry figures honored in the segment.
Although Tessio is likely Vigoda’s best-known role, his stardom wasn’t limited to “The Godfather.” He also played over-the-hill detective Phil Fish in the 1970s TV comedy “Barney Miller” and its spinoff, “Fish.”
Did the Academy pass the buck to the Emmys to honor Vigoda as a TV star when it airs its awards show this fall?
“I’m sure the Emmys will do it,” said Fuchs. “But that’s still no excuse. The Academy made a mistake. It’s an injustice.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
14 responses to “Abe Vigoda’s daughter angry that Oscars ignored actor”
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that white actors fan club blew it on this one.
he was white. so what are you complaining.
he should have been acknowledged.
As usual the “me” generation are indifferent to everyone else except themselves. No one else matters, flaunting their brazen attitudes toward the other generations be the WW II or the younger Millenials.
Talented actor Abe Vigoda…will be missed.
Chris rock…I won’t miss him.
Academy made a huge mistake on this.
Everybody is so spoiled.
If Abe Vigoda was in this industry for the love of acting and performance, and not for the “look at me” glory and praise, then it should not matter that he was not mentioned – whether it was intentional or a mistake. That should hold true for any profession.
I thought the recognition for actors that passed were for those that passed in the past year. Since Abe Vigoda passed in January, won’t he be recognized at next year’s Oscars?
That’s what I was wondering too. Makes sense.
That’s exactly how it works. The Oscars acknowledges all movies and events that happened in 2015……not up to February 28,2016.
Smartest reply I’ve heard so far. Now daughter needs to acknowledge her childish behavior. What is she? Mafia girl?
Not likely; Abe wasn’t of Italian blood.
Now that is sad.