‘Laverne & Shirley’ Actor Eddie Mekka Dies at 69

Eddie Mekka, the actor best known for playing Carmine "The Big Ragoo" Ragusa on Laverne & Shirley, has died. He was 69.

Mekka's death was confirmed to TMZ by his brother, Warren Mekjian. The outlet reported, "Eddie was found dead at his home in Newhall, CA on Saturday. We're told friends and neighbors became concerned when they hadn't heard from him in a few days and called cops to go over and check on him. Warren tells us Eddie had recently been hospitalized for blood clots and could barely walk ... there's no indication his death was suspicious or that there was any foul play involved."

Mekka played Carmine "The Big Ragoo" Ragusa for 150 episodes on Laverne & Shirley, which broadcast on ABC from 1976-1983 for eight seasons. Mekka's other acting credits include The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, A League of Their Own (which was directed by Laverne & Shirley co-star Penny Marshall), It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia and more.