Barnaby Jones
Starsky and Hutch
The Rockford Files
These guest roles introduced him to millions of viewers and earned him a strong reputation in the industry as a reliable, skilled character actor.
Breakout Success: “Firehouse” and “Rhoda”
DeLano’s first major breakthrough came in 1974 when he was cast as Sonny Caputo on Firehouse, an ABC drama about firefighters. The role allowed him to show dramatic depth, capturing both the intensity and vulnerability of first responders.
Shortly after, he received the role that would make him beloved among sitcom fans: Johnny Venture, the charismatic lounge singer on Rhoda.
His performance blended humor, music, and personality — turning a recurring character into a standout presence. This role remains one of the most memorable of his career.
Michael DeLano’s talent wasn’t limited to television. His film career included appearances in:
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Catlow, a classic Western
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The New Centurions, a realistic police drama
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9 to 5, where he played the motorcycle cop in the iconic workplace comedy
Action movie fans especially remember him as Forrestal in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Commando, a role that showcased his ability to add intensity and humor even in highly charged scenes.
But perhaps his most globally recognized performances came later, with his portrayal of a Las Vegas casino manager in:
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Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Acting alongside Andy García and a star-studded cast, DeLano brought authenticity to the glamorous, high-stakes world of modern heist films.
A Career That Never Stopped Growing
Even into the 2000s, DeLano continued to book meaningful roles. His appearances on CSI and his work in My Blueberry Nights demonstrated his ability to evolve with the industry and stay relevant in new generations of storytelling.
His final on-screen appearance came in 2012 on the television series Royal Pains, ending his professional career with the same consistency and dedication that defined it from the beginning.
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