Charismatic American actor Eddie McCain, best known for his role as Carmine “The Big Rag” Ragusa on the classic sitcom series Laverne & Shirley, died on November 27, 2021, at the age of 69. He was found dead at his home in Newhall, California, after friends and authorities became concerned after he had not been heard from for several days. Known for his infectious energy, dance moves, and warm personality on and off screen, McCain left a lasting impact on American television.
According to his brother, Warren Meggian, Eddie had recently been experiencing health issues related to blood clots and was hospitalized before his death. He reportedly had difficulty walking and had not fully recovered. There were no signs of illness, and his death appears to have been due to natural causes. The discovery came after loved ones requested a welfare check when they were unable to contact him.
His role as Mekka on Laverne & Shirley, which aired from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, made him a familiar face to millions of viewers. Beyond his iconic TV role, he appeared in Broadway productions and various films, showcasing his versatility as an actor and singer. His death marks the loss of a talented artist who brought joy to audiences across generations.
Eddie Mekka – Biography
| Full Name | Edward Rudolph Mekjian |
| Professional Name | Eddie Mekka |
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Date of Death | November 27, 2021 (aged 69) |
| Place of Death | Newhall, Santa Clarita, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1974–2018 |
| Known For | Carmine “The Big Ragu” Ragusa in Laverne & Shirley |
| Education | Burncoat High School; Berklee College of Music |
| Heritage | Armenian and Italian descent |
| Parents | Mariam (née Apkarian) and Vahe Vaughn Mekjian |
| Spouses | DeLee Lively (m. 1983; div. 1992), Yvonne Marie Grace (m. 1994) |
| Children | 1 |
Notable Career Highlights
| Medium | Details |
|---|---|
| Television | Laverne & Shirley, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, 24, The Bold and the Beautiful, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia |
| Film | A League of Their Own, Catch Me If You Can (TV movie), Code Enforcer |
| Theatre | The Lieutenant (Tony-nominated), Hairspray (Las Vegas), Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Grease (national tour), My Mother’s Italian… (Off-Broadway) |
