The iconic actor Chick Vennera died from cancer at his home in Burbank, California.
The 74-year-old’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Nicky Vennera, Deadline reported.
The multi-talented actor, singer and dancer starred on Broadway, in films, television series and animated series throughout his long career in Hollywood.
Vennera was best known for his disco dance scene performed atop parked cars in “Thank God It’s Friday,” and his recurring role as Enrique/Pepe in the NBC classic “The Golden Girls,” starring Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty.
Among his 74 acting credits, he also voiced characters for the “Animaniacs,” “Batman Beyond,” “The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest” and “Pinky and the Brain.”
Born Francis Vennera, the native New Yorker moved to California after high school to pursue acting. He began studying at the Pasadena Playhouse and, after a brief stint in the Army, he came back to the Golden State where he performed in nightclubs and with the Disney on Parade tour.
The budding actor was then cast in the national tour and Broadway production of “Grease” from 1973 to 1974.
During his 30-year career in film and television, he starred alongside greats including Donna Summer and Debra Winger in 1978’s Oscar-winning disco cult classic “Thank God It’s Friday,” Richard Gere in the 1979 WWII romantic epic “Yanks” and Robert Redford in 1988’s magical farmer comedy-drama “The Milagro Beanfield War.”
He then made the transition to television, where he continued his career with a long list of roles including “Lucas Tanner,” “Baretta” and “The Blue Knight” to his last television role on “Static Shock.” In 2005, the veteran actor went on to star in his last film “Glass Trap.”
After retiring from the screen, Vennera went on to share his talents founding and teaching at Los Angeles’ Renegade Theatre and Film Group in 2009. He is survived by his daughter and wife, Suzanne Vennera.