Carmine The Big Ragoo” Ragusa has left the building.
Eddie Mekka was primarily a stage actor. He was nominated for a Tony award. He continued in the theater after L&S.
Penny Marshall cast her old friend in League of Their Own. Eddie danced with Madonna in a memorable scene.
I find it difficult seeing young actors from my high school days die. Laverne and Shirley was the cool show back then.
Wow. A lot younger than I thought he’d be.
The cast of L&S aged quickly. Penny and Gerry Marshall died a few years ago. David Lander, Squiggy died in 2020 after years of bad health.
Cindy Williams posted a nice tribute to Eddie.
Old thread about Betty Garrett and Eddie Mekka. I checked the linked news article and it’s still valid.
I didn’t realize he’d died. Great title for an autobiography:
I watched L&S back in high school in the 70s. And I remember the dance scene with Madonna in A League of Their Own. RIP Eddie Mekka.
There’s a candy here called Ragusa, which I always thought reminded me of someone’s name. And now I have the correct connection.
I really enjoyed Laverne and Shirley and still get random earworms from the theme song. My childhood is disappearing. 