Joseph La Cava was an American actor who is best known for his roles in various films and TV shows, often as a background character or stand-in. He began his career in the 1930s and became associated with the Abbott and Costello comedy duo.
Personal and Family Life
Joseph La Cava was born on September 16, 1908, in Paterson, New Jersey. He had a close friendship with comedian Bud Abbott, which opened doors for him in the film industry. Throughout his life, La Cava maintained a low profile, focusing primarily on his acting career instead of public appearances or media exposure.
Career Highlights
La Cava started acting in the 1930s and quickly became known as Abbott’s stand-in for several productions. His work often limited him due to the popularity of Abbott and Costello, but he still secured various roles throughout his career. In the 1960s, he gained further recognition for his character in Howard Duff’s Dante series, which helped him establish a niche in the industry.
Death and Legacy
Joseph La Cava passed away on February 4, 1992, in Los Angeles, California. He left behind a significant body of work, contributing to many films and television shows that reflect Hollywood’s golden era. Despite not being a household name, his contributions to the industry remain appreciated by fans of classic movies and comedy.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| City for Conquest | 1940-09-21 | Dance Contestant (uncredited) |
| Ride ‘Em Cowboy | 1942-02-13 | Poker Player (uncredited) |
| The Comancheros | 1961-12-16 | Dealer (uncredited) |
| Seven Thieves | 1960-03-11 | Croupier (uncredited) |
| The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond | 1960-02-03 | Club Patron (uncredited) |
| King of the Roaring 20’s – The Story of Arnold Rothstein | 1961-06-11 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Escape from the Planet of the Apes | 1971-05-20 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Hold That Ghost | 1941-08-08 | Little Fink (uncredited) |
| Who Done It? | 1942-10-30 | Station Employee (uncredited) |
| Some Like It Hot | 1959-03-19 | Gangster at Convention (uncredited) |
| Tender Is the Night | 1962-01-19 | Bartender (uncredited) |
| Black Gunn | 1972-12-20 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Viva Las Vegas | 1964-02-08 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Send Me No Flowers | 1964-10-14 | Commuter (uncredited) |
| The Set-Up | 1949-03-29 | Fight Spectator (uncredited) |
| Three Daring Daughters | 1948-02-12 | Bartender (uncredited) |
| Looking for Love | 1964-08-05 | Party Guest (uncredited) |
| Tora! Tora! Tora! | 1970-01-26 | Official (uncredited) |
| Yours, Mine and Ours | 1968-04-24 | Wedding Guest (uncredited) |
| Advise & Consent | 1962-06-06 | Senator (uncredited) |
| Holiday for Lovers | 1959-07-21 | Bullfight spectator |
| Sammy, the Way-Out Seal | 1962-10-28 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Seven Days in May | 1964-02-01 | Party Guest (uncredited) |
| The Wheeler Dealers | 1963-11-14 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| The Harder They Fall | 1956-05-08 | Manager (uncredited) |
| Sweet Smell of Success | 1957-07-04 | Waiter at 21 (uncredited) |
| Strange Bedfellows | 1965-02-09 | Reporter (uncredited) |
| Mame | 1974-03-07 | Restaurant Patron (uncredited) |
| Gypsy | 1962-11-01 | Audience Member (uncredited) |
| Point Blank | 1967-08-30 | Conventioneer (uncredited) |
| Lightning Strikes Twice | 1951-04-12 | |
| The Last Hurrah | 1958-12-31 | Man at Campaign HQ (uncredited) |
| Evil Roy Slade | 1972-02-18 | Bank Customer (uncredited) |
| The Joker Is Wild | 1957-09-26 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Frankie and Johnny | 1966-03-31 | Croupier (uncredited) |
| Robin and the 7 Hoods | 1964-06-24 | Juror |
| Johnny Cool | 1963-10-02 | |
| The Incredible Mr. Limpet | 1964-03-28 | Officer at Fleet Admiral’s Briefing (uncredited) |
| The Monster of Piedras Blancas | 1959-04-22 | Mike |
| Pat and Mike | 1952-06-13 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Banacek | 1972-09-13 | Bartender (uncredited) |
| Columbo | 1971-09-15 | Medical Examiner (uncredited) |
| The Six Million Dollar Man | 1974-01-18 | Croupier |