Fans of Laverne & Shirley are no doubt a bit heartbroken to learn that 'The Big Ragoo' has passed away, but his memory will live on for quite some time, considering the enduring popularity of that groundbreaking series. What were some of your favorite memories of Eddie Mekka? And can you think of any other shows or films that he appeared in that really stand out in your mind? Let us know in the comments section down below.
▬Contents of this video▬ 00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Eddie Mekka's Early Life 01:57 - Eddie Mekka's Career In Show Business 04:54 - Eddie Mekka's Legacy Will Live On 06:08 - Outro
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Eddie Mekka, the actor best known for his role as Carmine Ragusa on the hit ABC sitcom Laverne & Shirley, just passed away. Eddie's brother Warren Mekjian confirmed this sad news on Thursday, December 2, 2021. According to Warren, Eddie, who was endearingly known as “The Big Ragoo' by fans of the series that made him into a star, passed away a few days prior on November 27th. He was 69.
Mekka was born Rudolph Edward Mekjian on June 14, 1952, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was the son of Armenian father Vaughn Mekjian and Italian mother, Mariam. His father was a veteran of the second world war, and his mother was a clothes presser.
After graduating from Burncoat High School, Mekka enrolled at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied music theory and theater.
Early on in the 1970s, Mekka led the Worcester County Light Opera, where he taught young people the ropes of singing. After he performed on Broadway in a production of rock opera The Lieutenant, which scored him a Tony Award nomination, he relocated to Los Angeles.
Once in LA, that's when Eddie made his big break on television when he was cast in the role of Carmine 'The Big Ragoo' Ragusa on Laverne & Shirley in 1976. Mekka stuck with the series for its entire eight-season run which spanned from January 27, 1976 to May 10, 1983. The show ended up being a huge hit and became the most-watched television program in America by its third season. Ultimately it would receive six Golden Globe nominations as well as one Emmy nod.
Some of his Mekka's other television credits included turns on series like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, ER, The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody, 24, and The Bold and the Beautiful. He also notably played Detective Murdock in the 2002 Stephen Spielberg produced film Catch Me If You Can.
Mekka is survived by his daughter, Mia, and his siblings. He had two brothers, Waren and Wayne, and a sister, Lenore.
RIP Eddie Mekka, The Big Ragu Dies at 69
By: Facts Verse Title: RIP Eddie Mekka, The Big Ragu Dies at 69 Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEwvb_YhsLg
