Why did Abe Vigoda play elderly characters when he was barely in his 50s?

[TMC]

Vigoda on Barney Miller at age 54:


Was it simply because Vigoda “looked” to be in his late 50s/early 60s when he was in his forties and was thus cast accordingly?

[SarahBellum]

I was surprised when I found out he was only in his mid 50s on Barney Miller. But yes, he looked older.

Dustin Hoffman was in his early 30s when he appeared in "The Graduate". He was only 5 years younger than Anne Bancroft (Mrs. Robinson).

[vitoscotti]

[cd637299]

Not only did AV LOOK old, as Fish he carried the role to perfection.

Also I am not sure how many times he fooled ppl in real life who thought he had died. David Letterman was ready to do a posthumous tribute on his show, when Abe stormed onto the stage: “I’m not dead, you idiot!”

And like The Boy who Cried Wolf, when Abe really DID leave us, I wonder how many were thinking, Ohhhhh no, I won’t fall for THAT again!

AV was one of a kind. He could play football against Betty White too (Snickers commercial).

cd

[Chocolate Moose]

Isn't it common to have actors play older roles? Of course you see some younger ones, too.

[cd637299]

Originally Posted by Chocolate Moose

Isn't it common to have actors play older roles? Of course you see some younger ones, too.

I’d say that any actor worth his or her salt can adapt to any age within reason. A good hunk of makeup can do wonders.

cd