Esteemed actor Eddie Driscoll, celebrated for his work in prominent television series including “Mad Men,” “Entourage,” “This Is Us,” and “Sex and the City,” passed away at the age of 60.
His passing was confirmed by fellow actor and friend, Jimmy Palumbo, who revealed that Driscoll succumbed to a saddle pulmonary embolism on December 15, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, after struggling with stomach cancer.
A saddle pulmonary embolism, according to Yale Medicine, is a severe health crisis that occurs when a significant blood clot gets lodged in the partition of the pulmonary artery. This obstructs the blood flow to both lungs.
Driscoll, who was born on September 26, 1963, in New York, was an alumnus of Lenape Valley Regional High School in Stanhope, New Jersey, where he finished his education in 1981.
He began his acting career at the University of Miami before further refining his skills at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre in North Palm Beach, Florida. Under the guidance of industry titans Burt Reynolds and Carol Burnett, Driscoll developed a diverse talent that allowed him to take on various roles across different genres.
His partnership with Reynolds led to roles in the 1989 films “Physical Evidence” and “Breaking In,” and appearances on ’90s TV series such as “B.L. Stryker” and “Evening Shade.”
His television career also featured notable roles in “Desperate Housewives,” “Days of Our Lives,” “Heroes,” “24,” “CSI: Miami,” and “The King of Queens.” The depth and diversity of his character portrayals in these shows highlighted his dynamic acting range and ability to resonate with viewers.
His film repertoire was equally commendable, boasting roles in “Lansky” (1999), “Boat Trip” and “Pavement” (2002), and “Cellular” (2004). On the stage, Driscoll exhibited his theatrical skill as the loan shark Angelo “Gyp” DeCarlo in the West Coast tour of “Jersey Boys,” earning praise for his commanding stage presence.
Apart from acting, Driscoll was recognized for his long-term role as a host at the now-defunct Dimples Bar in Burbank, California, where he served for more than two decades. Dimples, which opened in 1982, was touted to be America’s first karaoke bar. It became a local haunt for Valley residents due to its proximity to entertainment studios, making it a popular spot for celebrities and rising talents.
His life and contributions were commemorated in January 2024 at the Fox Fire Room, a bar in Los Angeles where Driscoll had also worked. Friends, family, and fans gathered to honor his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Driscoll is survived by his brother, Danny. His friends and colleagues remember him for his talent, warmth, humor, and the deep impact he made on many lives.
