Eddie Mekka

Edward Rudolph Mekjian (June 14, 1952 – November 27, 2021), known professionally as Eddie Mekka, was an American actor, best known for his role as Carmine Ragusa on the hit television sitcom Laverne & Shirley.

Early life Mekka was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of Mariam (née Apkarian), a dry cleaning presser, and Vahe Vaughn Mekjian, a factory worker. His family was of Armenian descent. His father was a World War II veteran. He graduated from Burncoat High School and attended the Berklee College of Music.

Career Cast photo of Laverne & Shirley (1976). Standing, L-R: Carole Ita White, Phil Foster, Mekka, Betty Garrett. Middle row, standing: Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams. Seated: Michael McKean, David Lander. In the early 1970s, Mekka headed the Worcester County Light Opera in Massachusetts, teaching young people how to sing. he moved to Los Angeles. He landed the role of Carmine "The Big Ragu" Ragusa for Laverne & Shirley in 1976, acting on the series until its 1983 cancellation. He had a small role in the Penny Marshall-directed 1992 film, A League of Their Own as the dance partner of Mae (Madonna) in the bar.

Onstage, he performed in Hairspray at the Luxor in Las Vegas, Nevada, and in a national tour of Grease with Cindy Williams. Mekka returned to off-Broadway theatre on July 15, 2008, starring in Steve Solomon's long-running comedy My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm In Therapy! at the Westside Theatre. and the Fort Lauderdale, Florida areas.

Mekka reunited with his Laverne & Shirley co-star Cindy Williams in a November 2008 regional production of the Renée Taylor-Joseph Bologna comedy play It Had to Be You.

In 2008, Mekka wrapped production in the independent film Code Enforcer. He starred opposite Erin Moran of Happy Days.

In 2010, Mekka starred as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, New York, from April 29 until June 20.

Personal life Mekka was married to actress DeLee Lively from 1983 to 1992. He married Yvonne Marie Grace in 1994. Together they had one daughter, Mia.

Mekka died in Newhall, Santa Clarita, California, on November 27, 2021, at the age of 69.

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes 1982 Assignment Berlin Soghomon Tehlirian 1988 Bum Rap Sammy 1989 Beaches Actor 3 1992 A League of Their Own Mae's Guy in Bar 1997 Top of the World Joe Burns 2003 Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star Himself Cameo 2004 Land of the Free? Jerry 2006 The Last Stand Art 2006 Dreamgirls Club Manager 2006 Love Made Easy Mobo 2007 Stuck in the Past Grandpa 2008 Dirty Jokes the Movie Direct-to-video 2009 C Me Dance Lowell 2013 Through a Mother's Eyes Dr. Henry Myer 2014 Heaven Help Us Chuck Short film 2017 Diary of a Lunatic Mr. Karnofsky 2017 Silver Twins Rabbi 2017 Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel Himself 2018 Hail Mary! Danny Morelli Final role

Television Year Title Role Notes 1976–1983 Laverne & Shirley Carmine Ragusa 150 episodes 1977 Blansky's Beauties Joey DeLuca 13 episodes 1977–1979 Happy Days Carmine Ragusa 2 episodes 1979 Greatest Heroes of the Bible Uri Episode: "The Story of Esther" 1979–1982 The Love Boat Bert Brodie / Jason Clark / Stanley Corson / Mike 3 episodes 1979–1983 Fantasy Island Charles / Ken Jason / Johnny Detroit / Wilbur Wilson 3 episodes 1981 The 6th Annual Circus of the Stars Himself (performer) Television special 1982 The 7th Annual Circus of the Stars Himself (performer) Television special 1989 Moonlighting Guido Viola Episode: "In 'N Outlaws" 1989 True Blue Elvis fanatic Episode: "Oldies, But Goodies" 1990 Mulberry Street Vincent Savoia Television pilot 1990 The Munsters Today Mr. Sweetzer Episode: "The Reel Munsters" 1990–1994 Family Matters Mr. Nutting / Charlie 2 episodes 1992–1993 Guiding Light Grady Unknown episodes 1993 Taking the Heat Barbaro Television film 1994 The Rockford Files: I Still Love L.A. Gus Television film 1994 California Dreams Uncle Frank Episode: "Harley and the Marlboro Man" 1995 Dream On Mel Episode: "Significant Author" 1995 The Laverne & Shirley Reunion Himself Television special 1996 Weird Science Tommy Svachino Episode: "Men in Tights" 1997 The Big Easy Joey LaVern Episode: "Heavenly Body" 1998 The Jamie Foxx Show Danny Episode: "It's All Good, Fellas" 1998 Sunset Beach Summons Process Server 2 episodes 1998 Deadly Game Det. Murdoch Television film 2002 Power Rangers Wild Force Don Episode: "The Tornado Spin" 2002 Laverne & Shirley: Together Again Himself Television special 2005 The Bold and the Beautiful Las Vegas Minister 2 episodes 2006 24 Ned Episode: "Day 5: 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m." 2006 It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Bobby Thunderson Episode: "Hundred Dollar Baby" 2007 Crossing Jordan James Talbot Episode: "Shattered" 2007 The Suite Life of Zack & Cody Western Director Episode: "The Suite Life Goes Hollywood: Part 2" 2008 Pastor Greg FJ 2 episodes 2008 ER Jenkins Episode: "Under Pressure" 2011 The Young and the Restless Bud 2 episodes 2012 Childrens Hospital Frankie Episode: "Wisedocs"