Tony Longo

Tony Longo
Longo as Zeke Braxton on Drake & Josh
Born(1961-08-19)August 19, 1961
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedJune 21, 2015(2015-06-21) (aged 53)
Marina del Rey, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • writer
  • painter
Years active1977–2015
Spouse
Jamie Briggs
​
(m. 1992)​
Children3[1]

Anthony Longo (August 19, 1961 – June 21, 2015) was an American actor. Longo appeared in numerous television series, including Family Matters, The Facts of Life, Laverne & Shirley, Simon & Simon, Alice, Perfect Strangers, High Tide, Renegade, Sydney, Las Vegas, Six Feet Under and Monk. His film credits include Sixteen Candles, Mulholland Drive, Pound Puppies and the Legend of Big Paw, The Last Boy Scout, the 1994 version of Angels in the Outfield, The Cooler, Eraser, Suburban Commando, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, and Drake & Josh.

Early life and career

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Longo attended Marist High School in Bayonne, New Jersey, and the University of Rhode Island.[2]

Because of his 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), 300 lb (140 kg) frame, Longo was often chosen for roles that depict him as an imposing giant with freakish strength, and sub-standard intelligence, such as Mad Dog in the 1980s comedy/drama 1st and Ten where he was a linebacker for the fictional football team, the California Bulls. Mad Dog was paired with fellow linebacker Dr. Death, played by actor Donald Gibb who has had a career playing similar roles as Longo. He also appeared in Suburban Commando starring Hulk Hogan as a bounty hunter alongside The Undertaker.

Death

Longo died in his sleep at his home in Marina del Rey, California, on June 21, 2015, at the age of 53 after a long battle with congestive heart failure and kidney issues. He was survived by his daughters Chloe Longo and Danielle Schramm, his stepdaughter Alexis Dejoria, and his wife of 23 years, Jamie Briggs.[1][3]

Filmography

References

  1. ^ a b Barnes, Mike (23 June 2015). "Character Actor Tony Longo Dies at 53". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  2. ^ "Obituary of Anthony Longo", Asbury Park Press, November 6, 2015. Accessed September 30, 2017. "Tony was born in Jersey City NJ, attended OLM Grammar School, Marist High School in Bayonne, and the University of Rhode Island (URI) where he studied Drama."
  3. ^ Petski, Denise (June 22, 2015). "Tony Longo Dies: Veteran Character Actor Was 53". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 18, 2022.