West Side Story Actor, Tony Mordente Dies At 88

Tony Mordente, the acclaimed actor, dancer, and choreographer who starred in both the original Broadway and film versions of West Side Story, has passed away at the age of 88. Mordente, who resided in Henderson, Nevada, died on Tuesday, according to an announcement by his family.

Mordente’s illustrious career began on Broadway, where he showcased his talents as an actor, understudy, and assistant choreographer. His notable Broadway credits include Li’l Abner, Bye Bye Birdie, and Ben Franklin in Paris.

A native of Brooklyn, Mordente portrayed the character A-Rab in the stage production of West Side Story, which premiered at the Winter Garden Theatre in September 1957. He later took on the role of Action, another member of the Jets gang, in the 1961 United Artists film adaptation of the musical. The part of A-Rab in the movie was assigned to David Winters.

Beyond his performances, Mordente had a long and successful career as a TV director, further establishing his legacy in the entertainment industry.