Joe Santos, the actor best known for his role as Lt. Dennis Becker on The Rockford Files, died on Wednesday in Santa Monica of a heart attack. He was 84 years old.
Joe Santos, "The Rockford Files" actor, dies at 84 https://t.co/hMFv49YX3d pic.twitter.com/f3UAIxVbZq
— Variety (@Variety) March 19, 2016
Son Perry Santos shared word of his father’s passing with TMZ. He said Joe Santos was placed on life support following his heart attack, but later passed away.
In a career that spanned more than four decades, Joe Santos played a recurring role on The Sopranos for several years. He appeared in the 2015 film Chronic. His first role that served as his big break into acting was in a long-defunct soap opera, The Doctors.
'Rockford Files', 'The Sopranos' star dies at 84 https://t.co/p6v3bxVeT2
— Houston Chronicle (@HoustonChron) March 18, 2016
The sidekick of James Garner’s Jim Rockford role, Joe Santos played Dennis Becker from 1974 to 1980, receiving an Emmy Award nomination for his role.
RIP Joe Santos, best known as Sgt. Dennis Becker on The Rockford Files pic.twitter.com/tkq8HU235q
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 18, 2016
In addition to his Rockford Files and Sopranos recurring roles, Joe Santos guest starred on TV shows including Magnum P.I., Hardcastle & McCormick, and Miami Vice.