Jack Somack

Jack Somack (September 1, 1918 – August 24, 1983) was an American chemical engineer turned actor. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he began his acting career in 1966, starring as Eddie Carbone in Arthur Miller's A View From the Bridge. In 1969, Somack gained recognition for his appearance in the Alka-Seltzer 'spicy meatball' commercial. He also appeared in Broadway plays such as Paris Is Out! and The Prisoner of Second Avenue. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Somack had guest appearances in various films and television shows including Barney Miller, The Rockford Files, Sanford and Son, The Love Boat, and Laverne & Shirley. He also starred in the short-lived TV series Ball Four.