Jilly Rizzo
Jilly Rizzo | |
---|---|
Born |
Ermenigildo Rizzo May 6, 1917 New York City, New York, U.S. |
Died |
May 6, 1992 75) Rancho Mirage, California, U.S. | (aged
Cause of death | Car accident |
Resting place | Desert Memorial Park |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Restaurateur and entertainer |
Children | 3 |
Ermenigildo "Jilly" Rizzo (May 6, 1917 – May 6, 1992) was an American restaurateur and entertainer.
Career
As a young man, Rizzo worked with his father delivering Italian ice to cafes. Rizzo opened Jilly's Saloon, a lounge on West 49th Street, then moved to 256 West 52nd Street at the intersection with Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. Jilly's Saloon was a popular celebrity hangout in the 1960s. Rizzo's long-time friend Frank Sinatra frequented the lounge. Rizzo later became one of Sinatra's chief aides. Rizzo was also a frequent guest on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, where he would recite one liners in his monotone New York accent.
In 1990, Rizzo and five other men were convicted of fraud in relation to an $8 million loan scheme. He was given 1,000 hours of community service.[1]
Death
On May 6, 1992, his 75th birthday, Rizzo was killed when his car was hit by a drunk driver in Rancho Mirage, California. He was survived by a daughter, two sons and two grandchildren.[1] He is buried in Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.[2]
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes|- |
---|---|---|---|
1962 | The Manchurian Candidate | Jilly | Uncredited |
1967 | Tony Rome | Card player | Uncredited |
1968 | The Detective | Bartender | Uncredited |
1984 | Cannonball Run II | Jilly | |
1985 | Year of the Dragon | Schiro | |
1987 | The Pick-up Artist | Casino Floor Manager | |
1990 | Eternity | Jilly | |
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1970–1971 | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In | Himself | 8 episodes |
1977 | The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast: Frank Sinatra | Himself | Television special |
1974–1978 | Kojak | Various roles | 2 episodes |
See also
References
- 1 2 "Jilly Rizzo, Close Aide To Sinatra, Killed at 75". New York Times. 1992-05-07. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
- ↑ Jilly Rizzo at Find a Grave