DAYS: Al Ruscio (crime boss Miguel Torres, 1988) passes away at 89

[JAS0N47]

AL RUSCIO

(Miguel Torres, 1988)

IN LOVING MEMORY

JUNE 2, 1924-NOVEMBER 12, 2013

Al Ruscio, who appeared as Miguel Torres, the head of the Torres crime family, on "Days of Our Lives" for 13 episodes in 1988, passed away on November 12, 2013 at the age of 89.

Ruscio, who appeared in more than 200 TV episodes, died Tuesday, November 12 at his home in Encino, said his manager, Judy Fox. He had been in declining health, she said.

Ruscio also appeared in several films, most prominently in "Godfather III," in which he played Leo Cuneo, an ill-fated crime boss, but he made his major mark in television, where his credits list nearly spans the history of commercial TV.

His first TV parts, according to the Internet Movie Database, were in 1958 when he appeared in "Playhouse 90, "Gunsmoke" and "Zorro." He often played Italians but also other nationalities in shows including "Sea Hunt," "Peter Gunn," "Bonanza," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Dr. Kildare" and "77 Sunset Strip."

He had recurring roles in some series, including "Santa Barbara" and "Scarecrow and Mrs. King." But mostly he did one-offs and in more recent years appeared in such landmark shows as "Seinfeld" and "The X-Files."

Ruscio was born June 2, 1924, in Salem, Mass.

In addition to his TV and film work, he appeared in numerous touring and local stage productions, and he taught college drama classes. Ruscio also served on the board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild.

He wrote a textbook, "So Therefore ... : A Practical Guide for Actors." The title is explained in the preface: "Every scene or action or speech has a so therefore," Ruscio wrote. "It is the goal, the ultimate statement of the character. You should know the so therefore as you begin your scene. The climax and the payoff is the so therefore."

Ruscio's wife, actress Kate Williamson, passed away less than a month later, on December 6. They had been married since 1954. The couple leaves behind four children, three of whom also went into showbiz: Actress and poet Elizabeth Ruscio, director and editor Michael Ruscio, production designer Nina Ruscio and teacher Maria Ruscio. (Obituary courtesy of Los Angeles Times).

A scene of Al Ruscio from "Days of Our Lives"...May 24, 1988 (start at 4 minutes, 33 seconds if video does not start in correct place):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px2f7lsLva0&feature=player_embedded#t=275

[DRW50]

Sorry to hear this.

I knew I recognized him from somewhere - I looked around and it was his St. Elsewhere role, as an ill-fated janitor.