Actor Eddie Mekka has passed away at the age of 69 at his home in California.
The star was famous for playing Carmine ‘The Big Ragu Rausa’ in Happy Days spin-off show Laverne and Shirley.
News of his death was announced by a friend who wrote: “R.I.P. Big Ragu: It is with deep regret that we share with you the passing of our beloved Eddie Mekka.
“Eddie passed away peacefully in his Newhall, California home on Saturday, November 27, 2021. He was 69 years old”
He added: “Rest In Peace Eddie. We had some fun, my BCM Alumni.”
(Image: ABC)
Eddie, who’s real name was Rudolph Edward Mejjian, started his career on the Broadway stage in a play called The Lieutenant in 1975 – where he received a Tony Award for best actor in a musical.
After that, he landed his iconic role of Carmine in the US sitcom Laverne & Shirley – which he played from 1976 until the hit show was cancelled in 1983.
His character was a former boxer who was Shirley’s (Cindy Williams) sometime love interest.
(Image: American Pictorial / Avalon)
The Big Ragu also had a habit of bursting into song in a bid to succeed as a performer, and one of his famous lines was: “You know I’d go from rags to riches!”
Now, only surviving Laverne & Shirley cast members are Eddie’s former co-stars Cindy Williams and Michael McKeon.
Mekka went on to star in shows such as Blanksy’s Beauties as well as Family Matters, Fantasy Island, and Happy Days itself.
(Image: Avalon)
Later in his showbiz career, he appeared in shows like teen sitcom The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, bar comedy It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and soap opera The Young and the Restless.
His film credits include the musical drama film Dreamgirls (2006), Top of the World (1997) and Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003).
Eddie was married to fellow actor DeLee Lively from 1983 to 1992, before he tied the knot with Yvonne Marie Grace in 1994.
Eddie and Yvonne share their daughter, Mia.
At this time, Eddie’s cause of death is unknown.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
