Michael Tucci: Veteran actor still thriving on screen four decades later

Michael Tucci is an accomplished actor who is renowned for his versatile performances in film, television and theatre. With a career spanning several decades, Tucci has made his mark in Hollywood through memorable performances in iconic productions such as Grease and It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.

This piece, therefore, explores the life of Michael Tucci, a seasoned actor who became a respected figure in Hollywood.

Table of Content hide

1 Michael Tucci biography

2 Michael Tucci career

3 Michael Tucci movies

3.1 Television credits

4 Michael Tucci’s net worth

5 Michael Tucci family

6 Michael Tucci age

7 Michael Tucci now

Michael Tucci biography

Michael Tucci was born on April 15, 1946, in New York City, New York, United States of America. His parents were Minerva D. (nee LaRosa) and Nicholas Tucci, a business executive.

He attended H. Frank Carey Junior-Senior High School in Franklin Square, New York, and C.W. Post College of Long Island University, respectively. During his time at C.W. Post College, he held the position of President in the local Sigma Beta Epsilon fraternity, which later became a chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon national fraternity. Tucci also served as a Residence Manager in one of the dormitories.

He also obtained a J.D. degree from St. John’s Law School.

Tucci is an American actor and former high school teacher. He is widely known for portraying the character “Pete Schumaker” in the television series, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show (1986-1990) and “Sonny LaTierri” in the 1978 film, Grease.

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Michael Tucci career

Tucci gained recognition for his portrayal of “Sonny LaTierri”, a member of the “T-Birds”, in the 1978 film adaptation of the musical, Grease. He also took on the role of law student “Gerald Golden” in the T.V. series, The Paper Chase (1983 to 1986). He also starred as “Pete Schumaker” in the television show It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, which aired from 1986 to 1990.

The actor dedicated over three years to touring with various productions. He played the character of “Amos” in the musical Chicago. He also showcased his talent in “Destination”, in which he starred as the “Green Apple”.

In the T.V. realm, Tucci portrayed “Norman Briggs”, a close friend and hospital administrator of ‘Mark Sloan’, in the initial four seasons of Diagnosis: Murder. He also played the father of Melissa McCarthy’s character in The Heat (2013).

Beyond his acting career, Tucci served as a teacher and theatre coach at St. Francis High School in La Cañada Flintridge, California. In 2014, he directed a school performance of the play “We’re the Millers”, featuring Croatian American comedians George Dulcich and Stanko Zovak.

Michael Tucci movies

Tucci boasts an exceptional body of work as an actor. Below are some of the productions in which he featured in:

“The Night They Robbed Big Bertha’s” (1975) – Tucci played the character “Lou” in this film. The movie revolves around a group of friends planning a heist in a nursing home.
“Forced Entry” (1975) – Tucci portrayed the character “Richie”. The film is a horror thriller about a disturbed man who terrorizes a young woman.
“Grease” (1978) – Tucci is best known for his role as “Sonny LaTierri” in this iconic musical. The movie follows the romantic escapades of high school students in the 1950s, and Tucci’s character is a member of the T-Birds gang.
“Sunnyside” (1979) – Tucci played the character “Harry Cimoli” in this comedy-drama film. The story revolves around the eccentric residents of a retirement community.
“Lunch Wagon” (1981) – In this comedy film, Tucci portrayed the character “Arnie”. The movie follows two friends who start a food truck business, facing various comedic adventures along the way.
“Groucho” (1982) – Tucci portrayed “Chico Marx”, one of the famous Marx Brothers, in this biographical film about the life and career of Groucho Marx.
“Evasive Action” (1998) – Tucci’s character in this action thriller is a judge. The movie centres around a secret agent who becomes entangled in a dangerous plot.
“Elevator Seeking” (1999) – Tucci played the character “Carl” in this comedy film. The story follows a group of strangers trapped in an elevator, leading to humorous and unexpected situations.
“Blow” (2001) – Tucci portrayed “Dr. Bay” in this crime film. The movie is based on the true story of George Jung, a notorious drug trafficker.
“Mimic 2” (2001) – Tucci played the character “Dr. Shapiro” in this horror sequel. The film revolves around genetically engineered insects that mimic humans and pose a threat to society.
“The Heat” (2013) – Tucci portrayed “Mr. Mullins” in this action-comedy film. The story follows two mismatched law enforcement officers as they team up to take down a drug lord.
“The Comedians” (2015) – Tucci appeared as Billy’s Agent in this comedy series. The show revolves around a veteran comedian and a younger comic who form an unlikely friendship while working together.

Television credits

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1976	Delvecchio	George Sanfilippo	Episode – “Red Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair”
1976	Barney Miller	Fred	Episode – “Hash”
1978	Barney Miller	Rubin	Episode – “The Accusation”
1979	The Love Boat	Sam	Episode – “Ages of Man/Bo’ n Sam/Families”
1980	Barney Miller	Danny Rizzo	Episode – “People’s Court”
1980	Angie	Dennis	Episode – “Angie and Brad’s Close Encounter”
1980	Alice	Dino	Episodes – “Hello Vegas, Goodbye Diner”, “Too Many Robert Goulets”
1980	Enola Gay: The Men, the Mission, the Atomic Bomb	Captain Claude Eatherly	TV movie
1981	Lou Grant	Marvin	Episode – “Reckless”
1982	Barney Miller	Gilbert Doyle	Episode – “The Clown”
1982–1983	Trapper John, M.D.	Dr. Charlie Nichols	Recurring role (3 episodes)
1982	The Powers of Matthew Star	Pileggi	Episode – “The Italian Caper”
1983–1986	The Paper Chase	Gerald Golden	36 episodes
1984	Night Court	Mr. Pina	Episode – “The Nun”
1985	Diff’rent Strokes	Officer Jim Coletta	Episode – “Street Smarts”
1986	Cagney & Lacey	Polonais	Episode – “The Man Who Shot Trotsky”
1986	Faerie Tale Theatre	Lionel	Episode – “The Princess Who Had Never Laughed”
1986–1990	It’s Garry Shandling’s Show	Pete Schumaker	Main cast (71 episodes)
1991	MacGyver	Philip	Episode – “Honest Abe”
1991	Chance of a Lifetime	Randall	TV movie
1992–1993	Flying Blind	Jeremy Barash	Main cast (22 episodes)
1993–1997	Diagnosis: Murder	Norman Briggs	Main cast (85 episodes)
1994	Monty	Dr. Rubin	Episode – “Baby Talk”
1994	MacShayne: The Final Roll of the Dice	Harvey Bell	T.V. movie
1995	Just Like Dad	Frank Turner	TV movie
1996	The Man Who Captured Eichmann	Danny	TV movie
1997	Life’s Work	Principal Blair	Episode – “Harassment”
1999	JAG	Father Genaro	Episode – “Second Sight”
2001	Once and Again	Arnold	Recurring role (2 episodes)
2015	The Comedians	Billy’s Agent	Episode – “Pilot”