“Michael DeLano,” known for his roles in Ocean’s Eleven and Rhoda, dead at 84
Veteran actor and singer Michael DeLano — who graced both the big screen and television with memorable roles — has died at the age of 84.
🎭 A Versatile Talent: From Singer to Screen Actor
-
DeLano was born on November 26, 1940, in New York City (though some sources list Virginia) and began his showbiz journey as a performer. In the 1960s, under the stage name Key Larson, he recorded music with Swan Records and even appeared on the dance show American Bandstand.
-
By the early 1970s, he had transitioned into acting. Early credits included small roles in films such as Catlow and The New Centurions.
Television & Film Highlights
-
On TV, DeLano played firefighter Sonny Caputo in the 1974 drama Firehouse.
-
He is widely remembered for his recurring role as lounge singer Johnny Venture on the popular sitcom Rhoda (11 episodes between 1976–1978).
-
Over the years, he appeared in many television shows including guest roles on series like Kojak, Charlie’s Angels, The A‑Team, Hill Street Blues — showcasing his flexibility across genres.
-
In films, aside from smaller roles in the 1970s and 1980s, his most notable later role came in the hit heist film Ocean’s Eleven (2001), and its sequel Ocean’s Twelve (2004), where he portrayed a Las Vegas casino manager — a role that introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
Final Years and Legacy
-
DeLano remained active in entertainment for decades; his final credited screen appearance was in 2012, in two episodes of the TV series Royal Pains.
-
According to his family, he died of a heart attack on October 20, 2025, in a hospital in Las Vegas.
-
He leaves behind his wife, Jean; daughter Bree; and grandchildren Michael, Lincoln, and Jaxon.
In a career spanning six decades, Michael DeLano managed to re-invent himself — from singer and dancer to beloved character actor in both television and film. His presence may no longer grace our screens, but his performances — from the smoky lounges of Rhoda to the glitz of Ocean’s Eleven — remain as a testament to his versatility, charm, and longevity in the entertainment world.
