Fans of 1980s and 90s movies and television are mourning the loss of Richard Dimitri. Dimitri appeared in numerous projects, but is perhaps best known for playing twins in Mel Brooks’ “When Things Were Rotten” series. He was 83.
Dimitri’s family announced his death on January 7 via an online obituary. They stated that the actor passed away on December 18. This came after what was described as a decades-long battle with illness of the heart and lungs.
Dimitri was born in 1942 and was originally from Yonkers, New York, according to his obituary. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Christianne, it says.
Richard Dimitri Leaves Behind a Brilliant Legacy
Dimitri began his acting career on Broadway. He played Pavli in Zorba (1968), Muthu in The Guide (1968), and Kinesias in Lysistrata (1972), according to Deadline. After that, his first onscreen role came in 1975 when he appeared in Brooks’ short-lived television series “When Things Were Rotten.” The show lasted for 14 episodes.
From there, he appeared in several well-known shows, including “Starsky & Hutch” and multiple episodes of “Hawaii Five-0,” in the 1970s. The 1980s were also a great time for Dimitri as he appeared in several movies, including “Johnny Dangerously” and “Let It Ride.”
In 1993, he co-created the Fox series “Daddy Dearest,” which aired for a season on the network. His final onscreen appearance came in 1997 when he appeared in an episode of “Tracey Takes On…”
Tributes Are Pouring In for His Legacy
Dimitri accomplished quite a bit throughout his career in Hollywood. This is the case both in front of and behind the camera. Because of his impressive legacy, many are taking to social media to pay tribute to him.
One person wrote on Facebook, “Aw man, I just recently watched the complete series of When Things Were Rotten. Richard really was versatile. Shame that he didn’t have a more expansive resume, but hey, when you get to work for The 2,000-Year-Old Man, what else do you need? Loved him also as Roman Moronie in Johnny Dangerously.”
Another person said, “He was hilarious playing the good & bad twins, Bertram & Rinaldo, on ‘When Things Were Rotten.”
Someone else stated, “Always thought he should’ve been a household name.” A different fan wrote, “I just finished watching When Things Were Rotten during the holiday break. He was terrific.”
Another person wrote, “Aww, man! I loved him on WHEN THINGS WERE ROTTEN and would have liked to see him in more comedies! (He did seem accomplished behind the scenes as well, though.) R.I.P. Richard Dimitri.”
Dimitri will be missed, but his legacy will last forever.
I was only a young kid in the 80’s but I don’t remember him. Certainly not as a famous 80’s actor.