American actor (1952–2021)
Eddie Mekka
Born Edward Rudolph Mekjian
[1] (1952-06-14 ) June 14, 1952Died November 27, 2021(2021-11-27) (aged 69) Occupation Actor Years active 1974–2018 Spouses
DeLee Lively
(
m. 1983;
div. 1992)
Yvonne Marie Grace
(
m. 1994)
Children 1
Edward Rudolph Mekjian (June 14, 1952 – November 27, 2021), known professionally as Eddie Mekka , was an American actor, best known for his role as Carmine Ragusa on the hit television sitcom Laverne & Shirley
Early life
Mekka was born in Worcester, Massachusetts , the son of Mariam (née Apkarian), a dry cleaning presser, and Vahe Vaughn Mekjian, a factory worker.[1] [2] [3] Armenian and Italian descent. His father was a World War II veteran.[4] Burncoat High School and attended the Berklee College of Music .[5]
Career
Cast photo of Laverne and Shirley Carole Ita White , Phil Foster , Mekka, Betty Garrett . Middle row, standing: Penny Marshall , Cindy Williams . Seated: Michael McKean , David Lander . In the early 1970s, Mekka headed the Worcester County Light Opera in Massachusetts , teaching young people how to sing.[5] Broadway in The Lieutenant Tony Award ,[6] Los Angeles .[7] Laverne & Shirley [6]
Mekka starred in roughly 50 TV shows and movies throughout his career. His television credits included 24 The Suite Life of Zack & Cody It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia The Bold and the Beautiful Catch Me If You Can .[8] Penny Marshall -directed 1992 film, A League of Their Own Madonna ) in the bar.[7] [9]
Onstage, he performed in Hairspray the Luxor in Las Vegas, Nevada ,[10] Grease Cindy Williams .[11] [12] My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm In Therapy! at the Westside Theatre .[8]
Mekka had regular solo singing performances for many years from the 1990s into the 2000s throughout the Naples[13]
Mekka reunited with his Laverne & Shirley co-star Cindy Williams in a November 2008 regional production of the Renée Taylor -Joseph Bologna comedy play It Had to Be You .[14] [15]
In 2008, Mekka wrapped production in the independent film Code Enforcer . He starred opposite Erin Moran of Happy Days [16]
In 2010, Mekka starred as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof Northport, New York , from April 29 until June 20.[17] [18]
Personal life
Mekka was married to actress DeLee Lively from 1983 to 1992. He married Yvonne Marie Grace in 1994. Together they had one daughter, Mia.[19]
Mekka died in Newhall, Santa Clarita, California , on November 27, 2021, at the age of 69.[20] [21] [22]
