Michael DeLano (Johnny Venture) 1940 - 2025 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 07-20-2026, 05:26 AM

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/notabl...michael-delano

Michael DeLano, a veteran character actor and singer whose career spanned more than five decades, died October 20, 2025, at a Las Vegas hospital, his wife confirmed. He died of a heart attack at the age of 84.

Born November 26, 1940, in Virginia, DeLano grew up in Philadelphia. Before turning to acting, he launched a music career in 1960 under the name Key Larson, signing with Swan Records and performing on shows such as "American Bandstand."

DeLano's transition to the screen began in the early 1970s. He landed roles in features such as "Catlow" (1971) and "The New Centurions" (1972), before moving on to television. He played firefighter Sonny Capito in all 13 episodes of the 1974 series "Firehouse."

For many, he is best remembered for his portrayal of lounge singer Johnny Venture on the CBS sitcom "Rhoda," appearing in 11 episodes between 1976 and 1978. Over the years, DeLano built a broad résumé, making guest appearances on shows like "Kojak," "The Rockford Files," "Charlie's Angels," "The A Team," "Hill Street Blues," and others.

On the big screen, among his many credits were roles in films such as "Commando" (1985), "9 to 5" (1980), "Another Stakeout" (1993), and ultimately his notable turn as a casino manager in the heist film "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), a part he revisited in the sequel "Ocean's Twelve" (2004). His final credited screen role came in 2012, with two appearances in the television series "Royal Pains."

DeLano had made Las Vegas his home since 1992 and was a well-known presence in the local performing community. He had a longtime regular singing engagement at the Dispensary Lounge.

He is survived by his wife, Jean DeLano; their daughter, Bree; and three grandchildren: Michael, Lincoln, and Jaxon.

Dude111 · 07-20-2026, 08:04 AM

Very sad buddy

Howard · 07-20-2026, 08:30 PM

I thought his episodes on Rhoda were hilarious! This was the perfect character to piss her off constantly all his shows. Rhoda being irritated made for the funniest plot lines because seeing her get angry and let it out was the best! God rest, Michael!

07-20-2026, 05:26 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,571	Michael DeLano (Johnny Venture) 1940 - 2025 https://www.legacy.com/legacy/notabl...michael-delano Michael DeLano, a veteran character actor and singer whose career spanned more than five decades, died October 20, 2025, at a Las Vegas hospital, his wife confirmed. He died of a heart attack at the age of 84. Born November 26, 1940, in Virginia, DeLano grew up in Philadelphia. Before turning to acting, he launched a music career in 1960 under the name Key Larson, signing with Swan Records and performing on shows such as "American Bandstand." DeLano's transition to the screen began in the early 1970s. He landed roles in features such as "Catlow" (1971) and "The New Centurions" (1972), before moving on to television. He played firefighter Sonny Capito in all 13 episodes of the 1974 series "Firehouse." For many, he is best remembered for his portrayal of lounge singer Johnny Venture on the CBS sitcom "Rhoda," appearing in 11 episodes between 1976 and 1978. Over the years, DeLano built a broad résumé, making guest appearances on shows like "Kojak," "The Rockford Files," "Charlie's Angels," "The A Team," "Hill Street Blues," and others. On the big screen, among his many credits were roles in films such as "Commando" (1985), "9 to 5" (1980), "Another Stakeout" (1993), and ultimately his notable turn as a casino manager in the heist film "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), a part he revisited in the sequel "Ocean's Twelve" (2004). His final credited screen role came in 2012, with two appearances in the television series "Royal Pains." DeLano had made Las Vegas his home since 1992 and was a well-known presence in the local performing community. He had a longtime regular singing engagement at the Dispensary Lounge. He is survived by his wife, Jean DeLano; their daughter, Bree; and three grandchildren: Michael, Lincoln, and Jaxon.

07-20-2026, 08:04 AM	#2
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 37,500	Very sad buddy

07-20-2026, 08:30 PM	#3
Howard Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 23, 2003 Posts: 269	I thought his episodes on Rhoda were hilarious! This was the perfect character to piss her off constantly all his shows. Rhoda being irritated made for the funniest plot lines because seeing her get angry and let it out was the best! God rest, Michael!