Why you knew Abe Vigoda

David Hinckley writes about TV for TVworthwatching.com. He was an entertainment writer for 35 years with the New York Daily News. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. (CNN) Abe Vigoda wasn't born to play Hamlet.

Abe Vigoda, the dour detective Phil Fish from the long-ago “Barney Miller” cop show, died in his sleep. He was 94. His death has been erroneously reported over the last 34 years, making him a cult figure on “Dead/Not Dead” celebrity lists. _____. Photo.

David Hinckley writes about TV for TVworthwatching.com. He was an entertainment writer for 35 years with the New York Daily News. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. (CNN) Abe Vigoda wasn't born to play Hamlet.

Abe Vigoda, the dour detective Phil Fish from the long-ago “Barney Miller” cop show, died in his sleep. He was 94. His death has been erroneously reported over the last 34 years, making him a cult figure on “Dead/Not Dead” celebrity lists. _____. Photo.

David Hinckley writes about TV for TVworthwatching.com. He was an entertainment writer for 35 years with the New York Daily News. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. (CNN) Abe Vigoda wasn't born to play Hamlet.