Veteran Actor Michael DeLano Dies at 84
Michael DeLano, a beloved American actor and singer known for his versatile work in television and film over more than five decades, has died at the age of 84. His wife, Jean DeLano, confirmed that he passed away on October 20, 2025, in a Las Vegas hospital after suffering a heart attack. See More…
DeLano was born on November 26, 1940, in Norfolk, Virginia, and grew up with a passion for performance. Before turning to acting, he briefly pursued music, recording under the name Key Larson and appearing on American Bandstand.
He gained early recognition on television in the 1970s, starring as firefighter Sonny Caputo on the ABC drama Firehouse and later playing lounge singer Johnny Venture on the CBS sitcom Rhoda, where his charm and screen presence won a loyal fan base.
DeLano’s career also included memorable guest roles on iconic series such as Wonder Woman, Starsky and Hutch, Hill Street Blues, and The A-Team. In film, he appeared in projects like Commando and later in Steven Soderbergh’s hit heist films Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and Ocean’s Twelve (2004), playing a casino manager.
After moving to Las Vegas in the early 1990s, DeLano became a fixture in the city’s entertainment scene, regularly performing standards at the Dispensary Lounge and connecting with audiences beyond the screen.
He is survived by his wife, Jean, their daughter Bree, and three grandchildren. Friends, colleagues, and fans have been paying tribute to his long and varied career, celebrating his impact on both television and film as well as his vibrant life as a performer.
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