View Full Version : Alex Rocco (Charlie Polniaczek) 1936-2015


Zoneboy
07-19-2015, 11:11 AM
Link (http://www.legacy.com/ns/alex-rocco-obituary/175322507#sthash.j4nwBXKA.dpuf)


Alex Rocco, a longtime character actor has died at the age of 79, according to the examiner.com. His death was first reported by his daughter on her facebook page. One of his best known roles would be as casino owner Moe Greene in “The Godfather” who had the famous line, “Do you know who I am”? He appeared in many films including “Freebie and the Bean, “Cannonball Run II”, and “Dream a Little Dream” (1989), which was directed by his son Marc Rocco who passed away in 2009. He also appeared in such popular movies as “Get Shorty” in 1995 and in “That Thing You Do” in 1996. Rocco also had a prolific career on television. He appeared on numerous shows, including as Jo’s father on “The Facts of Life” and as the executive who produced the classic Itchy and Scratchy cartoons on “The Simpsons.” Rocco’s most recent appearances were on the TV shows “Episodes” last year and “Maron” earlier this year. At the time of his passing, he was set to appear in the horror movie “The Other.” Alex Rocco was born Alexander Federico Petricone in Cambridge Massachusetts. He moved to California and started out working as a bartender, and began taking acting classes with such teachers as Leonard Nimoy and noted acting teacher Jeff Corey. -

caladon
07-19-2015, 11:23 AM
He was one of the best character actors to ever step in front of a camera.

R.I.P. Mr. Rocco

Heidi Dawn
07-19-2015, 03:17 PM
:( Alex Rocco

I'm not sure if this was ever mentioned in the FOL thread, but Claire Malis (she played Jo's mother) passed away back in 2012 at the age of 69 (born in 1943).

Mr. Television
07-19-2015, 03:31 PM
Very sad. I always liked him. :(

BigManMike
07-19-2015, 03:32 PM
:( Alex Rocco

I'm not sure if this was ever mentioned in the FOL thread, but Claire Malis (she played Jo's mother) passed away back in 2012 at the age of 69 (born in 1943).

Yes I remember that. May they both rest in peace.

simmytbone
07-19-2015, 04:03 PM
He also had recurring roles on other shows including a Special Guest Starring Role on abc's “Starsky and Hutch” in a 2 part episode entitled "The Plague" as Thomas Callendar and he also Co-Starred in“The Famous Teddy Z” with Jon Cryer and Jane Sibbett of Herman's Head and Friends

God Bless You Mr. Rocco, May You R.I.P. and Thank You for all the laughs and the memories that you gave us

Here's a promo to "The Famous Teddy Z" and see how REALLY Funny Alex Rocco Was
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Marvo301
07-19-2015, 05:51 PM
:rip: Alex Rocco

jayman75
07-19-2015, 10:06 PM
Quite an actor... Both in film and television.

His daughter is posting photos and tributes on her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Jennifer.Real.Rocco

80schild.com
07-20-2015, 12:34 PM
His episodes were some of the best from the series. Himself and Nancy Mckeon had very good chemistry together. the scene where she visits him at the jail was quite powerful. Nancy said during the 2014 reunion she always asked for him to play her father or uncle in previous roles - because they worked so well together...
:)

Cynthia12
07-24-2015, 03:34 PM
I Hope that they do a tribute to him when they show facts of life on logo tv here in NY.I agree that he and Nancy Mckeon had wonderful chemistry.
I thought.

jayman75
07-25-2015, 07:43 AM
I went to read his bio in The Facts Of Life Online page of SOL, and noticed there was a lot of outdated information for our stars. I wonder how we can update the info.