RIP Eddie Mekka

[Himmel]

Eddie Mekka, the veteran TV and stage actor best known for his role as Carmine Ragusa on the 1970s sitcom Laverne & Shirley, died on Nov. 27. He was 69.

Mekka's official Facebook page confirmed the news: "It is with deep regret that we share with you the passing of our beloved Eddie Mekka," a post read. "Eddie passed away peacefully in his Newhall, California home on Saturday, November 27, 2021." The post also welcomed fans to share their memories of the actor on his fan page.

He landed his first major part in 1975, making his Broadway debut in The Lieutenant and earning a Tony nomination for his work. Soon after, he moved out to Los Angeles to pursue acting and landed roles on two sitcoms created by Garry Marshall, Blansky's Beauties and Laverne & Shirley, the latter of which gave him his breakout role as the on-again, off-again boyfriend of Shirley Feeney (Cindy Williams).

In addition to his two '70s sitcoms, Mekka appeared in films such as Beaches, Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, Dreamgirls, and Hail Mary! He also had an iconic cameo in A League of Their Own, in a scene in which he stole a dance with Madonna's character, Mae, at a bar.

Mekka's body of work included other television appearances: He guest-starred on soap operas such as The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful as well as on the shows It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Moonlighting, Family Matters, and The Love Boat. 《₩》