The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Michael DeLano, the charismatic actor best known for playing the casino manager in the star-studded film Ocean's Eleven. He was 84 years old.
A Life in the Spotlight
DeLano passed away on 20 October after suffering a heart attack, as confirmed by his wife of 28 years, Jean DeLano. The actor died in a Las Vegas hospital, the city he had called home since 1992.
Until recently, he was a regular and beloved performer at the city's old-school Dispensary Lounge, where a celebration of his life is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 30 November.
A Prolific Career on Screen and Stage
Before his iconic role in Steven Soderbergh's 2001 heist classic and its 2004 sequel Ocean's Twelve, DeLano was a familiar face on American television. He starred as a firefighter in the ABC series Firehouse alongside James Drury and Richard Jaeckel.
Fans of 1970s sitcoms will fondly remember him for his role as Johnny Venture on Rhoda, where he appeared in 11 episodes across seasons three and four (1976-1978) as one of Rhoda's suitors following her split from husband Joe.
His other notable television credits are extensive, featuring guest spots on some of the era's most popular shows, including:
- The Rockford Files
- Wonder Woman
- Starsky & Hutch
- Charlie's Angels
- Taxi
He also enjoyed a regular role on the short-lived 1979 NBC series Supertrain, portraying Lou Atkins.
From Dancer and Soldier to Recording Artist
Born in Virginia and raised in Philadelphia, DeLano's show business career began early. He was a regular dancer on the iconic music programme Dick Clark's American Bandstand.
He also served his country as a paratrooper in the US Army. In 1960, his artistic pursuits led him to a recording contract with Swan Records, where he performed under the name Key Larson. He recorded songs including "A Web of Lies" and "A Little Lovin' Goes a Long, Long Way".
In a charming piece of Hollywood trivia, his wife revealed that he adopted the stage name DeLano after being inspired by a neon sign on a hotel bearing that name.
His film career included bit parts in movies like Catlow (1971) and The New Centurions (1972), and he briefly shared the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1985 action film Commando. Other film credits include 9 to 5 (1980) and Another Stakeout (1993).
Michael DeLano's legacy continues through his family. He is survived by his wife Jean, his daughter Bree, his grandsons Michael and Lincoln, and his granddaughter Jaxon.
