Beloved ‘Porky’s’ Star Tony Ganios Passes Away at 64, Leaving a Legacy of Laughter and Tough-Guy Roles
Tony Ganios, the acclaimed comedic actor renowned for his memorable performances as Meat in Bob Clark’s “Porky’s” and as Perry in Philip Kaufman’s 1979 coming-of-age film “The Wanderers,” has sadly left us at the age of 64. The news of his passing was shared by his fiancée on social media, accompanied by a heartfelt tweet expressing her deep grief and love.
Known for his roles in 1980s teen comedies and action films, Ganios was celebrated for portraying tough, muscular characters that showcased his versatility as a character actor. His film debut in “The Wanderers” set the stage for a career marked by physical presence and toughness. Ganios reunited with co-star Ken Wahl for a recurring role as a mob lawyer on Wahl’s crime series “Wiseguy” in the late 1980s.
However, it was Ganios’ iconic role as Meat in the 1981 raunchy comedy “Porky’s” that cemented his place in film history. The film, centered around a group of high school friends seeking revenge on a sleazy nightclub owner named Porky, became the sixth highest-grossing movie of 1982 and spawned two sequels.
Ganios continued to leave his mark on the big screen with credits in “Porky’s II: The Next Day” (1983) and “Die Hard 2” (1990). Despite semi-retiring from acting after “Rising Sun,” he made brief comebacks in three films between 1991 and 1993.
Reflecting on his return to acting in 2015, Ganios shared, “While I did miss acting, I didn’t miss the entertainment industry or most of the people in it. But as time went by, I would constantly run into fans who were genuinely disappointed to know that I had quit the business.”
Born in Brooklyn, Ganios is survived by his fiancée, Amanda. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and tough-guy roles that will be remembered fondly by fans and the entertainment industry alike.