Celebrity Info
Tall, broad-shouldered, and undeniably handsome, Ed Marinaro made a smooth transition from the football field to the television screen, carving out a solid reputation as a talented actor. Best known for his role as Officer Joe Coffey on the acclaimed series Hill Street Blues (NBC, 1981–86), Ed Marinaro spent six memorable seasons playing the dependable partner to Betty Thomas’ Lucy Bates. It was during a recovery period from a foot injury that Ed Marinaro first considered acting—his New York Jets teammate, Joe Namath, encouraged him to explore opportunities in entertainment. That suggestion turned into a life-changing decision. Soon after, Ed Marinaro left professional football behind, relocated to Los Angeles, and dove headfirst into acting classes.
His big break came quickly when he landed a guest spot on an episode of the police drama Eischied. Though his next project—an unsold pilot—didn’t take off, it caught the attention of producer Garry Marshall. Impressed by what he saw, Marshall brought Ed Marinaro on board the ABC sitcom Laverne and Shirley during its later seasons, when Laverne (played by Penny Marshall) had moved to Hollywood. In the show, Ed Marinaro portrayed Sonny, a charming stuntman and neighbor who eventually became Laverne’s love interest.
After just one season in that role, Ed Marinaro moved on to greater acclaim with Hill Street Blues, where he played a compassionate yet rugged police officer—a character type that would become a signature for him. The role showcased both his emotional depth and physical presence, qualities that helped boost his popularity. Thanks to his growing fame, Ed Marinaro was cast in two notable TV movies: Born Beautiful (NBC, 1982), where he played a suave fashion photographer, and Policewoman Centerfold (NBC, 1983), in which Ed Marinaro appeared as the husband of a female cop who makes headlines by posing nude. Through each performance, Ed Marinaro continued to build a versatile and respected career in television.
Ed Marinaro is perhaps best known for his role in the 1978 film Fingers, which remains his highest-rated movie to date. On the other hand, one of his least critically acclaimed performances came in An L.A. Minute, released in 2018. While Ed Marinaro has had a diverse career in both acting and sports, these two films represent the extremes in terms of audience and critical reception. Over the years, Ed Marinaro has taken on a variety of roles, but it’s Fingers that continues to stand out as a highlight in his filmography. In contrast, An L.A. Minute didn’t resonate as strongly with viewers or critics, marking it as a low point in his cinematic journey.
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