In 1987, he and fellow Happy Days (1974) cast member Anson Williams opened a chain of diners in the Midwestern United States, called Big Al's after his lovable and long running Happy Days (1974) character.
Died on Happy Days co-star Henry Winkler's 70th birthday.
He was responsible for catapulting Robin Williams to stardom when he suggested Williams to play the alien character in the Happy Days episode, "My Favorite Orkan (1978).".
His parents were Italian immigrants.
As of 2002, semi-retired and living in Glendale, California, and writing a book of
autobiographical short stories. No longer acting in movies, TV, or onstage, except the continuing series of commercials for Encore family-size frozen dinners.
Father of one son.
His boyhood home is 2417 53rd Street in Kenosha's "Old West Side"
neighborhood.
His remains were cremated at Grand View Memorial Park and Crematory in Glendale, California.