Richard Libertini was a talented and prolific actor who appeared in many stage, film and television productions. He was known for his ability to portray characters of various ethnicities and accents, as well as his comedic skills. He died on January 7, 2016, at the age of 82, after a two-year battle with cancer.
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Early Life and Career
Richard Libertini was born on May 21, 1933, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to parents who had immigrated from southern Italy. He grew up in a bilingual household, which helped him develop an ear for foreign languages and dialects. He graduated from Emerson College in Boston, where he studied drama and music.
He began his acting career in New York City, where he joined the off-Broadway musical-comedy The Mad Show, produced by Mad magazine. He also performed in Woody Allen’s play Don’t Drink the Water and Paul Sills’ Story Theatre. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s to pursue his film career.
Memorable Film Roles
Libertini appeared in more than 50 films, often playing supporting roles that showcased his versatility and humor. Some of his most notable film roles include:
General Garcia, an insane Latin American dictator who has a cartoon face drawn on his hand, in The In-Laws (1979), opposite Alan Arkin and Peter Falk.
Frank Walker, the skeptical editor of Chevy Chase’s character Irwin Fletcher, in Fletch (1985) and Fletch Lives (1989).
Prahka Lasa, a Tibetan mystic who transfers his soul into Lily Tomlin’s character Edwina Cutwater, in All of Me (1984), opposite Steve Martin.
George W. Geezil, a greengrocer who hates Popeye and loves Olive Oyl, in Popeye (1980), directed by Robert Altman and starring Robin Williams.
Rabbi Gelber, a Jewish clergyman who officiates the wedding of Mel Gibson’s character Martin Riggs and Rene Russo’s character Lorna Cole, in Lethal Weapon 4 (1998).
Dijon, a greedy bandit who steals Scrooge McDuck’s magic lamp, in DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990), an animated film based on the popular TV series.
Television Appearances
Libertini also had a prolific television career, appearing in more than 100 shows as a guest star or a regular. He played characters ranging from gangsters to priests to aliens. Some of his most memorable television appearances include:
The Godfather, a crime boss who tries to blackmail Jessica Tate (Katherine Helmond) into marrying him, in the first season of Soap (1977-1978), a sitcom that parodied soap operas.
Akorem Laan, a Bajoran poet who claims to be the Emissary of the Prophets, in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode “Accession” (1996), opposite Avery Brooks.
Izzy Fuentes, an eccentric mechanic who helps Sonny Munroe (Demi Lovato) fix her car, in the Sonny with a Chance episode “Dakota’s Revenge” (2010), a Disney Channel sitcom.
Wally Llama, a parody of the Dalai Lama who gives advice to Yakko, Wakko and Dot Warner, in Animaniacs (1993-1998), an animated comedy series.
Father Angelo Lombardi, an Italian priest who helps his nephews run their family deli after their father dies, in The Fanelli Boys (1990-1991), a sitcom that lasted one season.
Personal Life and Death
Libertini was married to actress Melinda Dillon from 1963 to 1978. They had one son together, Richard Jr., who is also an actor. Libertini was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and underwent treatment for two years. He died on January 7, 2016, at his home in Venice, California. He was survived by his son and his sister Alice.
According to his family’s announcement, Libertini was “a man known for his kindness, humor and generosity of spirit.” His former co-star Alan Arkin said that he was “one of the funniest people I ever knew.” His fans and colleagues remembered him as a brilliant and versatile actor who brought joy and laughter to many audiences.
: The Hollywood Reporter
