Eddie Mekka was a multi-talented American actor and singer best known for his role as Carmine “The Big Ragu” Ragusa on the popular 1970s and 1980s television show Laverne & Shirley. With his charismatic personality, dancing talent, and strong singing voice, Mekka brought the character of Carmine to life, making him one of the most memorable figures on the series. Throughout his career, Mekka showcased his versatility, moving from television to Broadway to film, proving that his talents extended far beyond his breakout role.
Born Edward Rudolph Mekjian on June 14, 1952, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Mekka grew up in a family with Armenian roots. His upbringing in a working-class neighborhood, combined with his natural love for performing, laid the foundation for his later success in the entertainment industry. From his early passion for music and theater to his rise in Hollywood, Mekka’s career spanned decades and touched multiple facets of show business.
Early Life and Passion for Performing
Eddie Mekka grew up in a supportive household, where his parents, Vaughn and Mariam Mekjian, encouraged his artistic inclinations. His mother was a presser in a dry-cleaning shop, and his father worked as a factory worker, but both parents saw the potential in their son’s natural talent for entertaining. From a young age, Mekka showed an interest in music and dance, often performing for his family and friends.
Mekka attended Burncoat High School in Worcester, where he further developed his love for the performing arts. After graduation, he pursued his passion for theater and music by enrolling at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. It was during his time at Berklee that he began to focus on honing his vocal and dance skills, gaining experience in musical theater productions.
While studying in Boston, Mekka became involved in the local theater scene, working with regional theater companies and earning a reputation as a talented performer. His energy and charisma on stage drew attention, and it wasn’t long before he decided to pursue a professional career in the entertainment industry.
Broadway Breakthrough and Move to Hollywood
Before making his mark in Hollywood, Eddie Mekka found success on Broadway. His first big break came when he starred in the 1975 Broadway musical The Lieutenant. The show, which was based on the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War, earned Mekka a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. Although The Lieutenant had a short run, Mekka’s performance garnered critical praise, putting him on the radar of casting agents and producers in Hollywood.
With Broadway success under his belt, Mekka decided to move to Los Angeles to try his hand at television and film. His move paid off when he was cast in the role that would define his career: Carmine Ragusa on Laverne & Shirley. The show, which was a spin-off of Happy Days, became one of the most popular sitcoms of the era, and Mekka’s character quickly became a fan favorite.
Laverne & Shirley and the Role of Carmine Ragusa
Eddie Mekka’s portrayal of Carmine “The Big Ragu” Ragusa on Laverne & Shirley catapulted him to stardom. The show, which ran from 1976 to 1983, followed the comedic misadventures of two single women, Laverne DeFazio (Penny Marshall) and Shirley Feeney (Cindy Williams), as they worked at a Milwaukee brewery and navigated life in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Carmine was Shirley’s on-again, off-again boyfriend and a struggling singer and dancer who aspired to make it big in show business. His nickname, “The Big Ragu,” came from his Italian-American heritage and his frequent mentions of his family’s spaghetti sauce business. With his flashy dance moves, strong singing voice, and smooth-talking charm, Carmine brought a lighthearted yet ambitious dynamic to the show. Mekka’s ability to combine comedic timing with impressive musical performances made him a standout character.
Throughout the series, Carmine’s relationship with Shirley was one of the central storylines, and Mekka’s chemistry with Cindy Williams added depth to the character. Fans of the show rooted for Carmine as he pursued his dreams of becoming a star, and Mekka’s performances—often featuring him singing and dancing—were highlights of the series. One of his most memorable moments came when Carmine would burst into song, belting out his signature tune, “Rags to Riches,” which became a recurring gag on the show.
Mekka appeared in 150 episodes of Laverne & Shirley, making him one of the show’s core cast members. His work on the show earned him widespread recognition, and he became a familiar face on television screens across America.
Post-Laverne & Shirley Career
After Laverne & Shirley ended in 1983, Eddie Mekka continued to work steadily in both television and film. He made guest appearances on a variety of popular TV shows, including The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Family Matters, showcasing his ability to transition between comedy and drama. His television work demonstrated his versatility as an actor, and he continued to build a successful career after his time on Laverne & Shirley.
In addition to his television work, Mekka appeared in several films, including A League of Their Own (1992), directed by Penny Marshall, where he played the role of an Italian-American dance instructor. The film, which told the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II, became a critical and commercial success. Mekka’s appearance in the film was a nod to his long-standing friendship with Penny Marshall, who directed both A League of Their Own and episodes of Laverne & Shirley.
Mekka’s film credits also include roles in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003), Dreamgirls (2006), and C Me Dance(2009), where he continued to demonstrate his talent for both comedy and drama.
Stage Work and Musical Theater
Throughout his career, Eddie Mekka remained committed to his first love: musical theater. Even as he worked in television and film, Mekka frequently returned to the stage, performing in regional theater productions across the country. His roles in musical theater allowed him to showcase his dancing and singing skills, and he became a sought-after performer for stage productions.
Some of his notable stage performances include roles in Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray, Grease, and Damn Yankees. Mekka’s stage work earned him praise for his energetic and charismatic performances, and he continued to perform in live theater well into the later years of his career.
Personal Life and Legacy
Eddie Mekka was known not only for his talent on stage and screen but also for his kind and approachable personality. He married actress DeLee Lively in 1983, but the couple later divorced. In 1994, Mekka married Yvonne Marie Grace, and the couple had a daughter together. Mekka valued his family life and often spoke about the importance of balancing his career with his personal life.
Mekka’s impact on the entertainment industry extended beyond his iconic role on Laverne & Shirley. His commitment to his craft, his versatility as an actor and performer, and his ability to connect with audiences made him a beloved figure in Hollywood. His role as Carmine Ragusa remains one of the most memorable characters in television history, and his work in theater and film showcased the breadth of his talents.
Eddie Mekka passed away on November 27, 2021, at the age of 69. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, friends, and colleagues, who remembered him for his warmth, generosity, and remarkable talent.