Sad news has just broken as television sitcom legend Eddie Mekka has passed away. The actor, best known for his role as Carmine on Laverne & Shirley, was found dead at his home in Newhall, California on Saturday. Reportedly, friends and neighbors called cops to do a welfare check after not hearing from Mekka for a few days when his body was found.
According to his brother, Warren Mekjian, Eddie Mekka had recently been hospitalized for blood clots and was barely able to walk, but there’s no clear cause of death at this time. His death is not believed to be suspicious with no signs of foul play. Mekka was 69 years old.
“Everybody was proud of Eddie’s accomplishments on TV and he was a funny guy,” Warren told Fox News. “Eddie always loved to dance and sing and make jokes. He always tried to make people laugh and enjoy themselves.”
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Born Rudolph Edward Mekjian on June 14, 1952, Mekka started his acting career on the stage, earning a Tony Award nomination for his work in The Lieutenant. He soon after landed the role of Carmine “The Big Ragoo” Ragusa on the classic comedy series Laverne & Shirley in 1976, serving as a popular character until the show ended its run in 1983. He reunited with the cast for The Laverne & Shirley Reunion in 1995 and would later reunite with co-star Cindy Williams for a stage production of the comedy play It Had to Be You in 2008.
Mekka appeared as Carmine Ragusa in two episodes of Happy Days. He also had a recurring role as Joey DeLuca on the 1970s series Blansky’s Beauties, and has appeared in multiple episodes of other well known shows like The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Family Matters. In more recent years, he’d pop up in shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 24, The Young and the Restless, and Childrens Hospital.
Tweeting a YouTube video of Mekka on Laverne & Shirley, Williams said, “My darling Eddie, A world-class talent who could do it all. I love you dearly. I’ll miss you so much. But oh the marvelous memories…” Michael McKean added, “A sad goodbye to Eddie Mekka this morning. A genuinely good guy and purveyor of cheer whenever things got cheerless. Value these people. RIP, Eddie.”
On the big screen, Mekka had a cameo as himself in the David Spade comedy Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. His other movie credits include A League of Their Own, Dreamgirls, c Me Dance, and Silver Twins. His final acting credit came in 2018’s Hail Mary! as Danny Morelli. That movie, which stars Mekka in the lead role, follows the Laverne & Shirley favorite as a desperate football coach recruiting sumo wrestlers to serve as linemen protecting his star quarterback.
The late actor’s survivors include his wife, Yvonne Marie Grace, and daughter, Mia. Our thoughts go out to them at this painful time. Rest in peace, Eddie Mekka, and thank you for your contributions. This news comes to us from Fox News.
