Audiences will know Vincent Gardenia for films like Moonstruck (1987) and Little Shop of Horrors (1986). In addition to his extensive work in film, Gardenia also frequently appeared in several television programs, including All in the Family. There, Gardenia played Frank Lorenzo, neighbor to the Bunker family. Frank often served as a foil to Archie’s character. Where Archie was brash and uncouth, Frank was loving and eccentric.

According to an interview with the Columbus Ledger, Gardenia was able to bring a few of his own personality traits to the character, including a love for cooking.

“I’ll be cooking for the show, and I like to cook for myself,” said Gardenia. “I make a great sauce using onion, carrots, and bacon cooked in olive oil.”

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In addition to his work in film and television, Gardenia also worked in theatre. “It’s all hard work,” said Gardenia. “The theater gets to be easier after a month when you’re accustomed to the role, but in the beginning, it’s tougher.”

In contrast, Gardenia said that working in film was “much easier” because of the more compact shooting schedule. “You do three or four pages at a time,” said the actor.

Gardenia stated that he enjoyed the diversity that an acting career provided for him. “I like what I’m doing now, the variety of roles,” said Gardenia. “I like to do comedy and drama. I like to mix it up, because after a while, I get very uptight.”