He was an eccentric TV comic and performance artist whose wild antics and unforgettable Saturday Night Live routines earned him a devoted cult following. Known for his quirky style and offbeat humor, he became a household name when he took on the role of Latka Gravas, the lovable foreigner, on the hit sitcom Taxi—a role he played from 1978 to 1983. Before fame found him, he was already performing in his own imaginative world; as a child, he’d lock himself in his room for hours, putting on one-man comedy shows just for fun. When he stepped into the professional spotlight, his signature act included lip-syncing to the chorus of the Mighty Mouse cartoon theme song—a bit so iconic it made its debut during the very first episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975.
His personal life had its share of complexities. He fathered a daughter, Maria Bellu-Colonna, in 1969, when her mother was just 17 and unmarried; she made the difficult decision to put the baby up for adoption. Despite various relationships over the years, he never married. Tragically, he passed away from a rare form of lung cancer, leaving behind a legacy defined by originality and fearless creativity. His influence still resonates with fans and comedians alike, a testament to the lasting impact of his unique artistry.
For a big part of his later career, he often teamed up with his close friend Bob Zmuda to play a prank on unsuspecting people. They would take turns stepping into the role of Tony Clifton—a sleazy, over-the-top lounge singer—just to mess with folks and see how far they could push it. He really leaned into the character, using the disguise to both offend and confuse strangers in the most hilarious way. It was all part of his wild, unpredictable style that kept people guessing. He and Zmuda perfected the act over time, making sure the Tony Clifton persona felt real enough to fool just about anyone. He wasn’t just performing; he was blurring the lines between reality and comedy, and that’s what made it so brilliant.