Hollywood has lost one of its sharpest character actors. Richard Dimitri, the scene-stealing funnyman best known for his turn in the cult classic Johnny Dangerously, has died at 83 after a long battle with heart and lung illness.
His family confirmed the news in an online obituary, revealing that Dimitri passed away on December 18 in Los Angeles with his wife, Christianne, at his side. He had been struggling with serious health issues for years, but stayed close to his family and his craft until the end.
A New York Talent Who Fought His Way to Hollywood
Born in Yonkers, New York, Dimitri was a classic East Coast performer with grit, ambition, and serious chops. He first made his mark on the New York stage, working Off-Broadway in the early 1960s at a time when the city’s theater scene was buzzing with experimental plays and edgy comedy.
He wasn’t just chasing the spotlight — he was shaping it. Dimitri went on to teach acting at Queens College, City University of New York, helping a new generation of performers find their voices before he ever took his own to Hollywood.
The Big Move — and a Breakout in TV and Film
In 1975, Dimitri made the leap to Los Angeles, and it didn’t take long for casting directors to notice his razor-sharp timing and expressive face. He became one of those “oh, I know that guy” performers who lit up every scene he was in.
He landed roles on some of the biggest TV hits of the era, including:
- Hawaii Five-0
- Welcome Back, Kotter
- Starsky and Hutch
- The Tracey Ullman Show
On the big screen, Dimitri scored memorable turns in films like Johnny Dangerously alongside Michael Keaton and Let It Ride with Richard Dreyfuss, carving out a niche as the fast-talking, slightly unhinged character who always stole at least one scene.
More Than an Actor: Writer, Comic, and All-Around Showman
Dimitri didn’t stop at acting. He also wrote for the screen and returned to his comedy roots in stand-up, bringing his New York edge and Hollywood experience to clubs and stages. His career spanned decades, fueled by a love of performance rather than red-carpet fame.
A Quiet Legend With a Loud Legacy
While he was never the tabloid type or a blockbuster headliner, Richard Dimitri became a cult favorite for fans who love character actors — the people who turn small roles into unforgettable moments. Johnny Dangerously lovers still quote the movie today, and Dimitri’s work is baked into that film’s lasting charm.
From Yonkers to Off-Broadway, from the classroom to Hollywood soundstages, Richard Dimitri built a life out of laughter, hustle, and heart.
Richard Dimitri is survived by his wife, Christianne. He was 83.
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