Eddie Mekka, best known for playing Carmine ‘The Big Ragu’ Ragusa on the television classic ‘Laverne & Shirley’, has passed away at 69. According to his family, Messa passed away at his home on November 27th.
Mekka memorably played Carmine, Shirley’s on-again, off-again romance. He was a part-time boxer and former Golden Gloves champion who dreamed of making it big on Broadway, which he achieved in the final season.
In fact, Carmine’s Broadway dreams echoed Mekka’s own theater career.
Eddie Mekka was just 69 at the time of his death and no immediate cause of death was given.
‘Laverne & Shirley’ Fans And Co-Stars Remember Carmine Ragusa
Co-star Cindy Williams, Shirley, eulogized Mekka in a lovely, touching tweet.
My darling Eddie,
A world-class talent who could do it all. I love you dearly. I’ll miss you so much. But oh the marvelous memories…https://t.co/ZmBFpBxc4m #EddieMekka— Cindy Williams (@Cindy_Williams1) December 2, 2021
Other celebrities and friends paid tribute to Mekka on Twitter as well:
A sad goodbye to Eddie Mekka this morning. A genuinely good guy and purveyor of cheer whenever things got cheerless. Value these people. RIP, Eddie.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) December 2, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Eddie Mekka on Blansky’s Beauties way back when. He was a warm and friendly man who taught me a lot. God bless him. pic.twitter.com/gVIx3yr4PI
— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) December 2, 2021
Eddie Mekka, R. I. P. buddy. We’ll miss you lots! Keep singing and dancing with the angels!
— Don Most (@most_don) December 2, 2021
Rest in Peace Eddie Mekka. Love and peace to Mia, Yvonne, your family, friends and loved ones. Such great memories of Tuesdays on funniest night on 80s TV: Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Three’s Company and Too Close for Comfort. Fly with the angels ❤️ https://t.co/PWUiTCuHwp
— Lydia Cornell (@LydiaCornell) December 2, 2021
Speaking to FOX, Eddie’s brother Warren had the following to say:
“Eddie always loved to dance and sing and make jokes. He always tried to make people laugh and enjoy themselves.”
Here’s a classic ‘Laverne & Shirley’ clip that will put a smile on your face.
And here’s a fun compilation of The Big Ragu’s best moments.
Eddie Mekka (Real name Rudolph Edward Mekjian) was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. Before his time as The Big Ragu, Mekka worked in theater and as a music teacher for children.
Eddie Mekka’s Other Roles
Besides “Laverne & Shirley”, Mekka worked in over 50 movie television, and theater roles throughout his career.
He also starred on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination in 1975 for his role in The Lieutenant.”
Mekka was an accomplished dancer and singer. He often got to show off his skills on the popular sitcom:
Eddie Mekka on Laverne & Shirley, S3E23: The Dance Studio. The best. x pic.twitter.com/y6DkZl6AlP
— Squigenny ?? Lenny and Squiggy Archives (@Squigenny) December 2, 2021
Eddie Mekka was an accomplished musical actor. Apart from Broadway, he starred in productions of Xanadu, Fiddler On The Roof, Hairspray, and starred as Vince Fontaine in a nationwide touring production of Grease.
He also reunited with co-star Cindy Williams for several regional theater productions.
Share your Eddie Mekka memories in the comment section below.
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