Chick Vennera

Francis Vincent Vennera[1] (March 27, 1947 – July 7, 2021) was an American actor, known for his role as Joe Mondragon, in Robert Redford's The Milagro Beanfield War, among other movies. He also often served as a voice double for Joe Pesci.

Chick Vennera
Vennera at the 2013 DGA Awards
Born
Francis Vincent Vennera

(1947-03-27)March 27, 1947
Herkimer, New York, U.S.
DiedJuly 7, 2021(2021-07-07) (aged 74)
Burbank, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1975–2011
Spouse(s)
    Joanne Mary Divito
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1971; div. 1982)​
      Suzanne E. Messbauer
      ​
      ​
      (m. 1983)​
      Children2

      Acting

      Vennera served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, first in the Signal Corps and later in the Special Services division.[2][3][4][5] After which, he embarked on a career as an actor and dancer. He was also a musician, playing several instruments. Vennera's first acting role of note was in the Broadway production of Grease, having toured with the musical for a year. He continued working as a performer, and appeared in the 1978 film Thank God It's Friday, where he performed a dance routine on top of several cars. His acting career continued throughout the 1980s, and 1990s, appearing in many films and television series. In 1979, Vennera appeared as Vietnam War veteran Mitch Costigan in three episodes of Vega$, alongside Vega$ star Robert Urich. In 1989, he appeared in three episodes of The Golden Girls as the character Enrique Mas.

      Vennera also ventured into doing voice acting in the 1980s, with roles on Hanna-Barbera programs. However, his most notable role was Pesto on Warner Bros. Animation/Amblin Entertainment's hit animated series Animaniacs. Prior to his death, Vennera also taught acting.

      Personal life

      Vennera died from cancer at his home in Burbank, California, on July 7, 2021, at the age of 74.[6]

      Selected filmography
      Film
      Year Title Role Notes
      1978 Thank God It's Friday[7][8] Marv Gomez
      1979 Yanks[7][8] Sergeant Danny Ruffelo
      1981 High Risk[7][9] Tony
      1988 The Milagro Beanfield War[7][8] Joe Mondragon
      1991 The Terror Within II[7][9] Kyle
      1991 McBain[7][8] Roberto Santos
      1997 Time Under Fire Spitz
      1999 Wakko's Wish[10][11] Pesto Voice
      Direct-to-video
      1999 Final Voyage Dennis
      2000 Intrepid[7][11] Ellerson
      2001 Air Rage Fishmam
      2005 Glass Trap[10] Paolo
      Television
      Year Title Role Notes
      1978–1980 Vega$[7] Mitch Costigian 3 episodes
      1985 The Jetsons[7] Additional voices
      1986–1987 Foofur Sam Voice
      16 episodes
      1986 Diff'rent Strokes[7][11] Spider
      1989 The Golden Girls[7][11] Pepe/Enrique 3 episodes
      1993 Bonkers Chick Voices
      2 episodes
      1993–1998 Animaniacs[7][11] Pesto, The Godpigeon, Sparrow, Joe P. Voices
      22 episodes
      1996–1997 The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest Lorenzo, Various Voices Voice
      9 episodes
      1998 JAG[7] Benny Turpin 2 episodes
      1998 Cow and Chicken Shark #1, Shark #2, Salesman #1 Episode: "Free Inside/Journey to the Center of Cow"; Voice
      2000 That's Life[7][11] Luciano
      2000 Batman Beyond[7] Chauffeur Episode: "Ace in the Hole"; Voice
      2002–2004 Static Shock[11] Ferrett Voice
      3 episodes
      Video games
      Year Title Role Notes
      1997 Zork: Grand Inquisitor Hades Beast, House Alarm Voices
      1997 Zork: Grand Inquisitor Pesto, Animaniacs: Ten Pin Alley Voices
      2009 Bayonetta Enzo[12] Voice

      References
      1. Evans, Greg (July 8, 2021). "Chick Vennera Dies: 'Thank God It's Friday', 'The Golden Girls' Actor Was 74". Deadline. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
      2. VENNERA, Chick 1952– (Francis Vennera, Chick Vennera) PERSONAL Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
      3. Chick Vennera, Actor in ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ and ‘The Milagro Beanfield War,’ Dies at 74 The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
      4. Chick Vennera, 'Thank God It's Friday' and 'The Golden Girls' actor, dead at 74 CNN. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
      5. Chick Vennera, ‘The Golden Girls’ and ‘Milagro Beanfield War’ Actor, Dead at 74 Decider. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
      6. Evans, Greg (July 8, 2021). "Chick Vennera Dies: 'Thank God It's Friday', 'The Golden Girls' Actor Was 74". Deadline. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
      7. "Chick Vennera". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
      8. "Chick Vennera". American Film Institute. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
      9. "Chick Vennera – Filmography". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
      10. "Chick Vennera". British Film Institute. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
      11. "Chick Vennera List of Movies and TV Shows". TV Guide. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
      12. "Bayonetta Developer Commentary Part 56". platinumgames.com. February 6, 2013. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
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