'Thank God It's Friday' And 'Golden Girls' Actor Chick Vennera Dies At 74

Chick Vennera, veteran actor of the stage and screen, has passed away from cancer. He was 74.

The actor – who was best known for dancing on top of parked cars in the 1978 disco movie ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ alongside Donna Summer, Debra Winger and Jeff Goldblum – starred on Broadway, in films, television series and animated shows throughout his nearly five decade career in Hollywood.

During his career in film and television, he appeared alongside greats including Richard Gere in the 1979 film ‘Yanks’, as well as Robert Redford in 1988’s comedy-drama ‘The Milagro Beanfield War’. He was also known for his recurring role as Enrique/Pepe in ‘The Golden Girls’.

Among his 74 acting credits, he also voiced characters for ‘Animaniacs’, ‘Batman Beyond’, ‘The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest’ and ‘Pinky and the Brain’.

Colleagues and fans alike have taken to social media to offer their condolences.

Sad news to share. We’ve just heard that Chick Vennera has passed away. He was Pesto and the Godpigeon on #Animaniacs, was in many live action productions and was an acting teacher.

We met Chick on our Goodfeathers Reunion and he was AMAZING. RIP Chick and thank you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5HSHnOIWVG

— The Animanicast (@animanicast) July 8, 2021

RIP Chick Vennera, from Milagro Beanfield War, Yanks, and High Risk, which I watched 200 times as a kid on cable tv. pic.twitter.com/hhtuM01jlM

— James Kenney (@jfkenney) July 8, 2021