Mario Roccuzzo

Mario Roccuzzo (November 9, 1940 – October 9, 2021) was an American actor known for his roles in television police dramas, sitcoms, and films. With over 250 television roles and a dozen film appearances, he left a notable mark in the industry. Roccuzzo's notable television appearances include Hill Street Blues, Barney Miller, and NYPD Blue, as well as Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Untouchables. He also had a talent for music composition and wrote the famous Eddie Cochran rock song, 'Nervous Breakdown' in 1958. Inspired by his parents' careers in East Coast Italian repertory, Roccuzzo pursued acting from an early age. He honed his craft by attending night classes taught by Jeff Corey and Corey Allen. Roccuzzo's dedication led him to take a bold step in 1960 when he approached director John Frankenheimer of Columbia Studios and asked for an audition, which eventually launched his acting career.