IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Val Bisoglio, 'Sopranos' and 'Saturday Night Fever' actor, dies at 95

Bisoglio was best known for his character roles in television and as Frank Sr., John Travolta's volatile father in the 1977 film "Saturday Night Fever."
Val Bisoglio as Frank Manero Sr. in "Saturday Night Fever."
Val Bisoglio as Frank Manero Sr. in "Saturday Night Fever."CBS via Getty Images

Val Bisoglio, the actor best known for his character roles in television and film for more than five decades, died last week, his wife said. He was 95.

Bisoglio died at his home near Los Olivos, California, Bonnie Bisoglio said in a statement Monday. A cause of death was not immediately clear.

Val Bisoglio.
Val Bisoglio.Bonnie Bisoglio

“He was my darling man,” Bonnie Bisoglio said. “He was very special.”

Bisoglio was best known for his role as Frank Manero Sr., John Travolta's volatile father in the 1977 film “Saturday Night Fever.”

Over 50 years, he played character roles in more than 60 television shows and films, including "M*A*S*H," "Quincy, M.E." and "The Sopranos," according to his IMDb profile. He is also credited with starring in "Miami Vice" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

Italo Valentino Bisoglio was born in New York City on May 7, 1926. He was raised by his parents, who were immigrants from towns near Monferrato, Italy.

Before he appeared on screen, he was a stage performer in New York productions, including "Kiss Mama," “A View from the Bridge” and "Wait Until Dark." He also performed with New York City's Shakespeare in the Park with Arthur Penn.

He is survived by his wife and three sons, Joseph Valentino Bisoglio, Sgt. Scott Chapman and Casey DeFranco.

CORRECTION (Oct. 25, 2021, 8 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misspelled where Val Bisoglio died. It was at his home near Olivo, California, not Olivio.