The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Michael DeLano, the actor and singer whose career spanned decades on both stage and screen.
DeLano, who appeared in iconic TV shows and films, passed away at the age of 84 on October 20 from a heart attack in a Las Vegas hospital, his wife Jean DeLano confirmed.
A Vegas Life and a Showbiz Career
A longtime Las Vegas resident since 1992, DeLano remained connected to the city’s entertainment scene until recently, performing at the Dispensary Lounge.
Fans will remember him from his casino manager roles in Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and its sequel Ocean’s Twelve (2004), as well as appearances in classics like Charlie’s Angels, The Jeffersons, Wonder Woman, and Magnum, P.I.
From New York City to Stardom
Born Michael Ace Del Fatti in New York City in 1940, DeLano first rose to fame as a singer after serving as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army.
Signing with Swan Records in 1960 under the name Key Larson, he released singles such as A Web of Lies and A Little Lovin’ Goes a Long, Long Way.
The now-famous surname “DeLano” came from a simple moment of inspiration: seeing a neon hotel sign flashing the name, Jean recalled.
The Stage and Screen Journey
DeLano began acting in 1970, performing in stage productions like Hair before transitioning to film with early roles in Catlow (1971), acting alongside Yul Brynner and Leonard Nimoy.
He earned a steady TV presence as firefighter Sonny Caputo on Firehouse in 1974 and became a household name with his recurring role as lounge singer Johnny Venture on Rhoda.
His character famously tried — and failed — to woo Valerie Harper’s title character after her separation.
Other notable TV credits included playing Lou Atkins in Supertrain in 1979, which aired for nine episodes.
Big Screen Highlights
Beyond television, DeLano made his mark in films including Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, and the Arnold Schwarzenegger action hit Commando (1985).
Yet fame didn’t start in adulthood — as a boy, he charmed audiences as a dancer on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, earning fan mail while growing up in Philadelphia.
A Family Man and Legacy
DeLano is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jean, their daughter Bree, and three grandchildren: Michael, Lincoln, and Jaxon.
A celebration of his life is set for Sunday at the Dispensary Lounge in Las Vegas, a place where he spent many of his later years performing and entertaining.
Remembering Michael DeLano
From a teenage dancer on American Bandstand to a Vegas lounge performer and Hollywood actor, DeLano’s career was marked by versatility and charm.
His wife Jean described him as a man of creativity and spirit, whose presence will be deeply missed by family, friends, and fans alike.
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