Ermenigildo "Jilly" Rizzo (May 6, 1917 - May 6, 1992) was an American restaurateur and entertainer.
Video Jilly Rizzo
Career
As a young man, Rizzo worked with his father delivering Italian ice to cafes. Rizzo opened Jilly's Saloon, a lounge on West 49th Street, then moved to 256 West 52nd Street at the intersection with Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. Jilly's Saloon was a popular celebrity hangout in the 1960s. Rizzo's long-time friend Frank Sinatra frequented the lounge. Rizzo later became one of Sinatra's chief aides, and was even referenced in Sinatra's adapted lyrics for Mrs. Robinson to avoid using the name "Jesus". Rizzo was also a frequent guest on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, where he would recite one liners in his monotone New York accent.
In 1990, Rizzo and five other men were convicted of fraud in relation to an $8 million loan scheme. He was given 1,000 hours of community service.
Maps Jilly Rizzo
Death
On May 6, 1992, his 75th birthday, Rizzo was killed when his car was hit by a drunk driver in Rancho Mirage, California. He was trapped in the burning car and perished. He was survived by a daughter, two sons and two grandchildren. He is buried in Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.
Filmography
See also
- The Night We Called It a Day
References
External links
- Jilly Rizzo on IMDb
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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