Lo Bianco’s representative shared the sad news of his passing, revealing that the actor had been battling prostate cancer and passed away at his horse farm in Maryland, with his wife, Alyse, by his side.
Born Anthony LoBianco in Brooklyn, New York, he began his career as a boxer before transitioning into acting in the mid-1960s. He first found success in theater, starting as an understudy in the 1964 Broadway production of Incident at Vichy and then landing a starring role in The Royal Hunt of the Sun.
His film debut came in The Sex Perils of Paulette (1965), but it was his role as a murderer in the crime film The Honeymoon Killers (1970) that brought him wider recognition. However, it was his performance in the 1971 classic The French Connection that cemented his status as a prominent actor.
Lo Bianco went on to star in various films and TV shows, including Bloodbrothers (1978) with Richard Gere, The Juror (1996) with Demi Moore, and TV series such as Get Smart, The Streets of San Francisco, and Law & Order. His talent and versatility shone through in every role he undertook.
In addition to his on-screen success, Lo Bianco also excelled in theater. He won an Obie award in 1975 for his performance in the off-Broadway play Yanks-3, Detroit-0, Top of the Seventh, and in 1983, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of Eddie Carbone in Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge.
Lo Bianco’s personal life was also full and varied. He was married three times and had three daughters from his first marriage. His current wife, Alyse Best Muldoon, was a constant source of support, especially during his battle with cancer.
The passing of Tony Lo Bianco is a significant loss to the world of entertainment. His talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft will forever be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
‘Tony Lo Bianco passed away last night at his horse farm in Maryland after a battle with prostate cancer. His wife, Alyse, was by his side. Tony was 87 years old,’ a statement from Lo Bianco’s representative said. Seen in 2016
Roy Scheider seen with Lo Bianco on The French Connection in 1971
Lo Bianco (left), and Richard Gere in a scene from the movie Bloodbrothers in 1977
Lo Bianco, left, as Rocky Marciano with Vincent Gardenia in the TV movie Marciano
Tony seen here center on the TV series Law & Order
The Honeymoon Killers with Lo Bianco and Shirley Stoler in 1970
The actor starred in Separate Ways with Karen Black in 1981
He worked with Lindsay Wagner in 1984 on the ABC TV series Jessie
He was married to Elizabeth Fitzpatrick from 2002 until 2008. Seen in NYC
He married his current wife, Alyse Best Muldoon, in June 2015. Seen in 2016 in NYC