THIS MONTH'S "REAL DEAL" CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

 by Savvy Click Staff

Rags to riches? Forget about it! Eddie Mekka, a ‘one-man show’ who is famously recognized for his role as “Carmine Ragusa” from ABC-TV sitcom Laverne and Shirley, is rich with incredible talent. He’s an actor, singer, dancer, comedian, father and husband. What can The Savvy Click say about Mr. Eddie Mekka? Well, this lyrical, theatrical, dancing star is "Taking The Heat" with other well-known performers "On Top Of The World" in “A League of Their Own” because he was a “Fiddler on The Roof” and played a "Deadly Game" on “Beaches” in the “Guiding Light” of the moon J Get it? If not, read our "Real Deal" interview below....

(SC) Eddie Mekka, you're a fabulous entertainer--a one-man show. Tell us a bit about where and when your journey as an actor/performer first transpired.

(Eddie) My journey started in Worcester, MA where I grew up. I ran for class treasurer. My "A" student friend wrote me a speech which I forgot and adlibbed and won. I was then asked to MC the Variety Show along with 2 of my friends. We wrote all the introductions and people loved it. They were waiting for the acts to finish so they could hear the intros. We got a standing "O" --  I got the bug. I was involved with the Worcester County Light Opera. My first show was Bye Bye Birdie. I attend Boston Conservatory of Music then went on the road with The Musical "Promises Promese" at a chain Of Dinner Theaters called Chateau DeVilles. Then straight to New York after that.

(SC) A lot of fans recognize you famously as Carmine Ragusa from ABC-TV sitcom, Laverne and Shirley. Was Carmine Ragusa anything like Eddie Mekka?

(Eddie) Carmine was a lot like Eddie Mekka. The singer and dancing was only the icing. Eddie Mekka was a clean cut all American. (Ragusa USA...get it?). Easy going, kind-hearted and funny.

(SC) You are also an accomplished singer and stage performer. How does a live performance differ from a closed-set performance and is a live performance more difficult?

(Eddie) Live performance has no room for nonsense. You have to know your trade. 'Looks only' doesn't cut it on stage. Stage is for actors. I love it cause it makes me honest as an actor and performer. You only get one chance to get it right. And then you have to do it all over again the next day and still be fresh after 200 more performances. When you get a "standing ovation" you're doing something right. Not the size of your payroll.

(SC) You've done a lot of theater. During a theater show, is there any tension on stage as you wait for the audience response during each act? Do you then find yourself weighing the audiences energy or reaction after each performance to perfect your character?

(Eddie) You're always aware of the audience and actors on stage. We're all people and have different days. The trick is to keep it fresh. It's the first time for them (the audience). So you, as a performer, listen and watch and help the other actors paint a nice story. You need to listen to the audience cause they to are all different. Especially in a comedy. You can get from the beginning their sense of humor and or if they're getting the jokes. Sometimes  you gotta spell it out for the ones who don't listen or are a little slow.

(SC) Thus far, what has been your most memorable experience as an actor?

(Eddie) When I see a young guy who says: "when I saw Carmine dance and sing, I said I can do that" or "I wanna do that." Carmine was a regular guy like them. And years later when I see a performer who said I inspired them or touched their lives, I feel I did something with my life. I made a difference.

(SC) Let's roll back through your acting career. What character have you most enjoyed playing to date?

(Eddie) I played Tevye in "Fiddler On The Roof" and will do it till I die.

(SC) Eddie, growing up--I must admit--I wanted a boyfriend just like 'The Big Ragoo', and I'm sure I wasn't the only girl wishing they were Shirley (from ABC-TV sitcom, "Laverne & Shirley") too. Through the years, what has been your most outrageous moment as a recognized celebrity?

(Eddie) While doing a series in New Orleans called The Big Easy, late at night I wanted to get some Italian food. The security guard said, "I got just the place." And I said, "who's open this late?" He said, "I have the owner open for you." I reply, "Okay, good deal." We get their and the Italian restaurant is called "Carmine" and the guy had named it after me while watching Laverne and Shirley. We have been good friends since then. Great food by the way.

(SC) Many sitcoms stars are forever recognized as the characters they played. How do you feel about the lasting persona (The Big Ragu)? Has it been a blessing or a career battle?

(Eddie) It's been a blessing. People recognize me all over and I can still get a free pizza. Yes, the fact that casting people and agents don't realize I was acting as Carmine and that was so long ago. Get over it and let me audition for you now. Look forward to the chance to be rejected. Hope that doesn't sound too bitter.

(SC) Congratulations on your brilliant new CD Eddie Mekka Sings WITH A LITTLE RAGOO ON THE SIDE! I love "My Yiddish Momma" and "That's Why The Lady Is A Tramp". How long did it take you to complete the CD? Tell us about this musical journey.

(Eddie) My CD "Eddie Mekka with a Little Ragoo On The Side" took 6 hours to record and was put together by Tim Fowlar. That is pretty much my act so I knew the numbers well. Been doing the act in clubs, ships, condos and fairs since I was on Laverne and Shirley. Course I've been singing and Dancing longer than that.

(SC) Every singer starts somewhere. When was your first paid singing gig? (Tell us a bit about this initial experience. Where was it? Were you nervous? Did you sing alone?)

(Eddie) My first paying gig was the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva NY. I was scared s...t. I tried to put too many things in the act without having structure. After a while, you relax and listen to the audience and talk with them and just be yourself. After years of this, you develop character and a gift to entertain. You can't learn that in a book. "Seasoned" comes with experience.

(SC) Do you have a favorite song from your new CD Eddie Mekka Sings WITH A LITTLE RAGOO ON THE SIDE?

(Eddie) My favorite songs are "Rags To Riches" and "Fly Me To The Moon" because Mr. Sinatra and Tony Bennett are my idles and I've worked with them.

(SC) Have you recently finished any films or endeavors your fans should know about?

(Eddie) I just finished a film with Martin Landau, "Love Made Easy". I was a paraplegic for 6 weeks. That limited my dancing. Mobo was my character. I will also be in the movie "Dream Girls" with Eddie Murphy and Jamie Fox. I play a club manager in Vegas. Small role. Also in May for 6 months I'll be doing "Hairspray" in Las Vegas.

(SC) You're also a Dad, how do you balance career and parenting? Do you feel that you've had to make many family sacrifices for an entertainment career?

(Eddie) I have had to make family sacrifices. Sometimes I may have to be on the road on Easter or Thanksgiving or some holidays -- but I'm always there for Christmas and birthdays. Always loving though and calling. I make up for it when I'm with my 2 girls, Mia my daughter and Yvonne my wife.

(SC) As a Dad, give us your best piece of parenting advice.

(Eddie) As a Dad my best advice is to talk to your children. Kitchen table is good. Monitor their school work and computer usage and music. Be a part of their life and ask questions, while all the time loving them and being compassionate. Don't let the computer or TV do your job as a parent. There is no substitute. That’s why a lot of kids are screwed up.

(SC) What advice do you have for any young aspiring actor/actress?

(Eddie) My advice to aspiring actors. Go to New York. Learn your trade. Sing and dancing all around trained. Get a job while training. New York has the best and worst. The city will harden you and give you survival instinct. Don't be a reality TV actor -- that’s not acting  -- it's crap. Survive the biz in NYC and you'll be an actor. That’s reality!!!!!!!!