Logo

Character Actor Known for Playing Heavies on TV — and for Role in Steve McQueen Movie ‘Bullitt’ — Dead at 83

Dec 3, 2012  •  Post A Comment

A veteran character actor who appeared on dozens of TV shows including "Mannix" and "The New Phil Silvers Show" has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Pat Renella was 83.

Renella, who built his reputation playing gangsters and hoods, portrayed mobster Johnny Ross in the 1968 crime movie "Bullitt,” which starred Steve McQueen.

On "The New Phil Silvers Show" in the early 1960s, Renella starred as one of the cohorts of con man Phil Silvers, the piece notes. He guest-starred in five episodes of "Mannix" and played Dr. Nelsen on "General Hospital" for 26 weeks in 1980.

Renella was also seen in TV commercials and ad campaigns, including one for Viceroy cigarettes. Other TV appearances included “Route 66,” “Combat!,” “The Rockford Files” and “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

Here’s a “Mannix” clip featuring Renella’s work:

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)