Michael DeLano — whose decades-long career spanned hit TV shows, action classics, and major studio films — has died at age 84.
The actor passed away on Oct. 20 in Las Vegas, his family confirmed in a death notice.
His wife of 28 years, Jean Delano, told The Hollywood Reporter that the cause of death was a heart attack.
Serving as a paratrooper
Born in New York City in 1940, DeLano entered entertainment long before his first screen role. The skydiving, motorcycle-riding, thrill-seeking DeLano got his first real taste of excitement at age 10, when he moved to Harlem and joined a neighborhood singing group. By 14, he was convinced he’d already seen enough of life — and entertainment — to leave home and chase an acting career in Hollywood.
When that dream didn’t take off, he hit the road as a singer instead, traveling from town to town and performing wherever he could.
Later, during his time in the Army, DeLano kept performing, spending three years acting and singing in military revues while also serving as a paratrooper.
