One of my favorite character actors, Vincent Schiavelli, died on Monday of lung cancer. with an unforgettably unique mug, Schiavelli appeared as all manner of misfit in films such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ghost, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. He was also an accomplished cooking writer, which I didn't know until I read his obit. Link
Reader comment: M says: "That's so strange he was recently in LA! I spoke to Mr. Schiavelli on 10/04/2005, At around 7:12 p.m. The reason I know this precise information is that we spoke while he and a woman were shopping at California Surplus Mart on Santa Monica Blvd., here in LA (time and date stamp on my receipt). We were both trying on pants and they only have a few dressing rooms. So we had some time to talk. His voice was very hushed and quite strained. I remember that the salesman told Mr. Schiavelli that he would be happy to call him when the other jeans came in, and I heard Mr. Schiavelli reply, 'That's OK, were from out of town.' I found the response rather odd and so did the salesman, I chalked it up to a older famous person not wanting to be bothered, but I guess he really did live out of town."
Reader comment: Stefan says: "Schiavelli was an occasional caller to the public radio (American Public Media) cooking show 'The Splendid Table.' I recall the host having to explain who this animated and enthusiastic fellow was; it was quite a surprise when I realized who she was talking about.
"This morning's tribute on 'Morning Edition' includes some brief audio of Schiavelli talking about his cooking."
