Jilly Rizzo

Jilly Rizzo
Born Ermenigildo Rizzo
(1917-05-06)May 6, 1917
New York City, U.S.
Died May 6, 1992(1992-05-06) (aged 75)
Rancho Mirage, California, U.S.
Cause of death Car accident
Resting place Desert Memorial Park
Nationality American
Occupation Restauranteur and entertainer
Children 3

Ermenigildo "Jilly" Rizzo (May 6, 1917 – May 6, 1992) was an American restaurateur and entertainer.

Career

As a young man, Rizzo worked with his father delivering Italian ice to cafes. Rizzo opened Jilly's Saloon, a lounge on West 49th Street, then moved to 256 West 52nd Street at the intersection with Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. Jilly's Saloon was a popular celebrity hangout in the 1960s. Rizzo's long-time friend Frank Sinatra frequented the lounge.[1] Rizzo later became one of Sinatra's chief aides, and was even referenced in Sinatra's adapted lyrics for Mrs. Robinson to avoid using the name "Jesus". Rizzo was also a frequent guest on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, where he would recite one liners in his monotone New York accent.

In 1990, Rizzo and five other men were convicted of fraud in relation to an $8 million loan scheme. He was given 1,000 hours of community service.[2]

Death

On May 6, 1992, his 75th birthday, Rizzo was killed when his car was hit by a drunk driver in Rancho Mirage, California. He was trapped in the burning car and perished.[2] He is buried in Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes|-
1962 The Manchurian Candidate Jilly Uncredited
1967 Tony Rome Card player Uncredited
1968 The Detective Bartender Uncredited
1984 Cannonball Run II Jilly
1985 Year of the Dragon Schiro
1987 The Pick-up Artist Casino Floor Manager
1990 Eternity Jilly
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1970–1971 Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In Himself 8 episodes
1977 The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast: Frank Sinatra Himself Television special
1974–1978 Kojak Various roles 2 episodes

See also

References

  1. ↑ Talese, Gay (April 1966). "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold". Esquire (Wikipedia describes the article here). Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  2. 1 2 "Jilly Rizzo, Close Aide To Sinatra, Killed at 75". New York Times. 1992-05-07. Retrieved 2008-07-21.


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