The “Key Larson” Chapter
In 1960, at only 20 years old, DeLano signed with Swan Records—and temporarily took on a new identity: Key Larson. The rebranding was part of the deal. Under the new name, he recorded multiple songs and even appeared on American Bandstand.
But the polished persona didn’t reflect who he truly was. By the early 1970s, he shed the stage name, reclaimed his real one, and returned to the career he always wanted—acting.
Breaking Through in Hollywood
DeLano’s early television and film appearances showed his range and resilience. He landed guest roles on shows like Adam-12, Barnaby Jones, and Banyon, and appeared in films including Catlow (1971) and The New Centurions (1972).
His first major breakthrough arrived in 1974 with ABC’s Firehouse, where he starred as Sonny Caputo, the firehouse cook with plenty of charm. The show ran only 13 episodes, but it marked the beginning of his steady rise.
Over the following years, DeLano became one of television’s most recognizable character actors, appearing in iconic series such as:
- Kojak
- Starsky and Hutch
- The Rockford Files
- Charlie’s Angels
- The Jeffersons
- Wonder Woman
- Magnum, P.I.
- The A-Team
One of his standout performances came on Rhoda, where he portrayed lounge singer Johnny Venture across 11 memorable episodes opposite Valerie Harper.
Action Films and the Ocean’s Franchise
DeLano balanced television with a wide array of film roles. He played a motorcycle cop in the hit comedy 9 to 5 (1980) and appeared as Forrestal—an early ally of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character—in the 1985 action classic Commando.
Throughout the 1990s, his résumé expanded with films like Another Stakeout, Father Hood, Zero Tolerance, Lion Strike, Private Wars, and Fists of Iron.
But one role brought him back into the spotlight for a new generation:
the Las Vegas casino manager working under Terry Benedict (Andy García) in Ocean’s Eleven (2001).
He returned for Ocean’s Twelve three years later, securing his place in one of Hollywood’s most beloved modern franchises.
DeLano continued working into the 2000s with appearances in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Wong Kar-wai’s My Blueberry Nights (2007), and two episodes of Royal Pains in 2012.
A Lasting Legacy
Michael DeLano is survived by his wife, Jean; his daughter, Bree; and three grandchildren — Michael, Lincoln, and Jaxon.
From paratrooper to singer to actor, DeLano built a career defined not by celebrity, but by consistency, versatility, and a deep love for performance. His legacy lives on through the countless characters he brought to life across television and film.
Rest in peace, Michael.