Michael Alaimo, a veteran stage and screen actor known for his roles in Space Jam and The China Syndrome, died peacefully on May 2 in Burbank, California. He was 86.
His daughter, Gabriella Alaimo Thomas, a longtime television PR and communications executive, confirmed his passing to Variety. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Alaimo built a diverse career that spanned avant-garde theater, film, and television. In Space Jam, he portrayed a doctor opposite stars Michael Jordan, Bill Murray, and Wayne Knight. His film credits also include Mr. Mom, the Oscar-nominated The China Syndrome, and All I Want for Christmas.
In television, Alaimo appeared in numerous popular series across decades. His credits include Cheers, The Wonder Years, Scrubs, Barney Miller, Mr. Belvedere, Hill Street Blues, and Betty White’s Off Their Rockers.
Born in Brooklyn, Alaimo began studying theater at Brooklyn College. From 1961 to 1964, he worked with Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival in Central Park. There, he led a commedia dell’arte troupe and became active in political theater through East Harlem’s Gut Theatre.
He later moved to San Francisco, where he toured with the anti-war production F.T.A. before settling in Los Angeles in 1973. His on-screen career took off with early roles in shows like The Six Million Dollar Man, Cannon, and Harry O.
Alaimo is survived by his wife Louise, daughters Gabriella and Giovanna, son-in-law David, and granddaughters Isabella and Malia.
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