- Was originally considered to play the part of The Monster in Mel Brooks' comedy classic Young Frankenstein (1974), given his height and tremendous resemblance to Boris Karloff.
- According to director Francis Ford Coppola, Abe was cast for the role of "Tessio" in The Godfather (1972) from an open casting call. He was selected from a pool of 500 unknown actors who auditioned for that role.
- In the 1980s, a well-known magazine referred to Vigoda as "the late Abe Vigoda" in a story, leading to the belief by many that he was dead. Abe enjoyed some publicity from the premature death announcement, even posing for a photograph while sitting up in a coffin!
- Best remembered by the public for his role as Detective Fish in Barney Miller (1975).
- He appeared in two Best Picture Academy Award winners: The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974).
- Abe's father Samuel Vigoda was a tailor in New York City.
- He is buried at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York.
- Was a well-respected and long-standing member of New York's Friars Club.
- Was a regularly recurring visitor on Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993).
- Had one daughter, Carol, and three grandchildren (Jamie, Paul, and Steven Fuchs) by his marriage to Sonja Gohlke.
- Was portrayed by Michael J. Nelson on an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988).
- Living in New York City (December 2005).
- Appeared on stage with the rock group Phish during a Halloween show dressed as a Wombat during the song of the same name which referenced his run as Fish on Barney Miller.
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