American character actor Val Bisoglio, best known for his appearances across films, television and theatre, passed away on October 18 in his mountain home near Los Olivos, California, with the news of his death being confirmed to U. S. media by his wife Bonnie Bisoglio. He was 95. Born Italo Valentino Bisoglio on May 7, 1926 in New York City, the actor pursued acting under Jeff Corey and made appearances in productions most notably on A View from the Bridge, Kiss Mama, Wait Until Dark, including New York City’s Shakespeare in the Park with Arthur Penn. 

Val Bisoglio also made appearances in several television shows from the 1960s, including his roles as Sgt. Sal Pernelli, the cook on M.A.S.H. Danny Tovo in Quincy, M.E. and his final TV role as Murf in The Sopranos in 2002 garnering him acclaim. The character artist was also seen in many films during the course of his more than 50-year-career among which include playing Frank, Sr., the father to John Travolta’s Tony Manero, in Saturday Night Fever (1977) and as Chief Gray Cloud in The Frisco Kid (1979). Outside of his passion for acting, he took part in the Kennedy Administration's anti-poverty program, Mobilization for Youth pilot project, which saw teenage dropouts being trained for employment. Bisoglio is survived by his wife of 25 years, Bonnie B. Ray Bisoglio and sons Joseph Valentino Bisoglio and his wife Devon, Sgt. Scott Chapman and his wife Andrea and Casey DeFranco.