Michael DeLano, ‘Rhoda’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ actor, dies at 84 in Las Vegas
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Actor and singer Michael DeLano, known for his roles in the films “Rhoda” and “Ocean’s Eleven”, has passed away. He was 84 years old.
DeLano suffered a fatal heart attack on Oct. 20 and died at a Las Vegas hospital, his wife, Jean DeLano, said. Hollywood Reporter.
He is survived by his wife, a daughter and three grandchildren.
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Michael DeLano, who starred in the TV series “Firehouse” and “Rhoda”, died on October 20, 2025. (Getty Images; Everett Collection)
Born Michael Ace Del Fatti, DeLano wore many hats throughout his long career. He was a regular dancer on “American Bandstand” when the show was filmed in his hometown of Philadelphia, and he also served in the Army.
In the ’60s, he got a record deal, starred in musicals and adopted his stage name.
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Michael DeLano appeared in all 13 episodes of “Firehouse” that aired in 1974. (Getty Images)
In the ’70s, DeLano starred in several popular TV shows, including “Adam-12,” “General Hospital” and “Barnaby Jones,” before gaining a more established foothold in “Firehouse.”
One of his best-known roles began appearing in 1976’s “Rhoda” as Johnny Venture, a lounge singer who becomes a romantic interest in Rhoda, played by Valerie Harper.
“Rhoda,” which featured DeLano in its third and fourth seasons, was a spinoff of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” (Getty Images)
He also played roles in TV series such as “Wonder Woman”, “Starsky and Hutch”, “Charlie’s Angels”, “Hill Street Blues” and many more.
The actor occasionally appeared on the big screen, taking on small roles in classics such as “9 to 5” and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s classic “Commando.”
DeLano later played a casino manager in 2001’s “Ocean’s Eleven” and its 2004 sequel “Ocean’s Twelve.”
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Throughout his long career, Michael DeLano has worked with stars such as Dolly Parton and Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
His last role came in 2012, when he appeared in a two-part episode of “Royal Pains.”
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In recent years, DeLano has chosen to focus on music. The Hollywood Reporter shared that until recently he was a regular performer at the Dispensary Lounge on Tropicana Boulevard in Las Vegas.
