R.I.P. Joseph Bologna (1934-2017)

Joseph Bologna

On August 13, 2017, actor and writer Joseph Bologna died in Duarte, California at the age of 82 from pancreatic cancer. He has had a lengthy career starring in movies and TV for over 40 years. Among his most recognized work is My Favorite Year: a comedy that parodied the real life shenanigans of Errol Flynn. He also wrote the script, which earned him an Oscar nomination. Beyond that, he remained active wherever he could, finding interesting projects to keep him busy. No matter what he did, he brought his own personal spin to things, and cinema was always better for it. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Bologna was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 30, 1934. In his early years, he majored in art history at Brown University. He also served a tour of duty with the United Stats Marine Corps. at one time. Following that, he began to produce and direct Manhattan-based TV commercials. When he took on acting, he did a lot of work with his wife Renee Taylor, including his breakthrough film Lovers and Other Strangers. Much like later work, it was a personal affair because it was based off of his own wedding with Taylor, seeing as he was Jewish and she was Italian. They would also star together in Made for Each Other. He was also close to his friends in his old neighborhood following his success.

In 1981, Bologna wrote the screenplay for My Favorite Year, which parodied the life of Errol Flynn, as played by Peter O'Toole. He also starred in it as a character loosely based on Sid Caesar. The film would give O'Toole an Oscar nomination as well. In the years to follow, Bologna starred in the Stanley Donen film Blame It on Rio, starring Michael Caine. Beyond that, he stayed busy and continued to work elsewhere, including voicing Mr. Start in the Ice Age franchise. He also appeared on Rags to Riches and The Nanny.

Bologna was an actor who could work at making the personal into lively entertainment. Over his life, he found a way to draw inspiration not only from his life, but of the Hollywood world that he admired. No matter what he did, he left behind a smile and something that gave inspiration. He may have played second fiddle to a lot of greats, but he only helped to elevate them into bigger and better performances. Bologna's work speaks for itself, and it was great to have seen him do his work for over 40 years.