His was a face the world recognized on television and the big screen. However, try to name the man who played the ghost in the New York subway who bumped into Patrick Swayze in the movie, Ghost or who took on the role of one of the patients in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and anyone not in the U.S. movie business might be hard-pressed to recognize a Sicilian-American actor by the name of Vincent Schiavelli. That said, I'm certain I join millions throughout the United States, Italy and around the globe who were saddened to hear that the memorable guy with those droopy puppy dog eyes and gentle face will no longer grace movie theaters or television screens. On December 26th, 2005 Mr. Schiavelli passed away at his home in Polizzi Generosa, Sicily at the young age of 57.

The fifty-seven years he was alive were filled playing diverse and significant roles on stage in the 60s, on television in the 70s, on the big screen in the 80s, 90s and in this century.

To television fans of "The Corner Bar", he was known as a gay man.

It was a minor character but it was significant because it was the first sustained portrayal of a gay character on American television.

To movie fans of Fast Times at Ridgemont High he was known as the high school's biology teacher Mr. Vargas.

In 1985, he played the role of Mr. Kerber, a math teacher, in Better Off Dead starring John Cusack.

He also appeared as Dr. Kaufman in Tomorrow Never Dies, the 1997 James Bond film co-starring Pierce Brosnan, Samantha Bond, Judi Dench and Teri Hatcher.

Out of the over 120 films and television productions Schiavelli earned roles in, some of the other most memorable include playing Salieri's valet in "Amadeus," the organ grinder in "Batman Returns," and the role of Chester in "The People vs. Larry Flynt."

In 1997, Schiavelli was named one of America's best character actors by Vanity Fair magazine.

In 1999, he played a TV executive in Man on the Moon from his appearances with Andy Kaufman on Taxi (1978).

To avid cooks, he was known as the author of a number of cookbooks and food articles.

Vincent Schiavelli's books included:

Many Beautiful Things: Stories and Recipes from Polizzi Generosa (2002)

Papa Andrea's Sicilian Table: Recipes and Remembrances of My Grandfather (2001)

Bruculinu, America: Remembrances of Sicilian-American Brooklyn, Told in Stories and Recipes (1998)

In 2001, he received a James Beard Foundation Journalism Award.

While he served as the honorary co-chair of The National Marfan Foundation, Schiavelli did not die from the genetic disorder called Marfan Syndrome from which he suffered.

It was lung cancer that cut his life short.

Vincent Andrew Schiavelli was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 10th, 1948.

When Schiavelli was three his father died. As a result, much of his childhood was spent with his Sicilian chef grandfather -- whom he credited for his life-long love of cooking.

He studied acting at New York University's School of the Arts.

Schiavelli and actress Allyce Beasley (Moonlighting's rhyming receptionist Agnes DiPesto) had a son Andrea, who was born in 1987. Andrea was named after Schiavelli's Sicilian grandfather.

Moonlighting's Bruce Willis as David Addison, Cybill Shepherd as Maddie Hayes & Allyce Beasley as Agnes DiPesto

Schiavelli and Beasley were married from 1985 - 1988.

In 1992, Schiavelli married celebrated American harpist Carol Mukhalian, who formerly played with the Seattle Symphony.

Schiavelli & Mukhalian at the 2002 Academy Awards

Schiavelli died in the small Italian town where his grandparents grew up. Polizzi Generosa is the ancient village where his grandfather was a Sicilian Master Chef.

The village's mayor, Salvatore Glorioso, described Vincent as "a great friend, a great chef and a great talker".

Glorioso told the AP news agency:

With a smooth, witty conversation, he would make everything look more colourful.

I've lost a brother.

Our hearts go out to Vincent's family, friends and fan base.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "rich with character" living.

~Jennifer Carolyn King