The US actor is best known for playing Carmine Ragusa in the 1970s-80s Laverne & Shirley TV sitcom.

Eddie Mekka, who found fame playing Carmine "The Big Ragoo" Ragusa, on the hit series "Laverne & Shirley," died Saturday at his home in Newhall, California, according to his official Facebook account.

The news was given by his brother Warren Mekjian

Eddie Mekka's Carmine was first introduced in a few episodes of "Happy Days" and later took a lead role in the "Laverne & Shirley" spin-off.

Actor Eddie Mekka, known for his role as Carmine 'The Big Ragu' Ragusa from Laverne & Shirley, has died on Saturday at his home in Newhall, California, at the age of 69.

Eddie Mekka, famous for his role as Carmine Ragusa on the sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” has died. He was 69.

He also had roles on "Fantasy Island," "The Love Boat," and later "Family Matters."

I will never get over how much Eddie Mekka sounded like Tony Bennett.

Please enjoy this video of Eddie Mekka—aka “The Big Ragu”—performing “I Will Survive” on the 1979 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. https://t.co/32hkhcxBda

RT @TVMoJoe: In the 70s, everyone with any fame and even a slightly good voice covered “I Will Survive.” It was the law. Here’s The Big Rag…

RT @TVMoJoe: In the 70s, everyone with any fame and even a slightly good voice covered “I Will Survive.” It was the law. Here’s The Big Rag…

RT @TVMoJoe: In the 70s, everyone with any fame and even a slightly good voice covered “I Will Survive.” It was the law. Here’s The Big Rag…

RT @TVMoJoe: In the 70s, everyone with any fame and even a slightly good voice covered “I Will Survive.” It was the law. Here’s The Big Rag…

In the 70s, everyone with any fame and even a slightly good voice covered “I Will Survive.” It was the law. Here’s The Big Ragu from Laverne & Shirley —Mr. Eddie Mekka—performing it on the Jerry Lewis Telethon in 1979. https://t.co/32hkhcxBda

RT @Squigenny: Eddie Mekka, TV Guide, 1980. https://t.co/LQGNzpQsZT

RT @Squigenny: Eddie Mekka, TV Guide, 1980. https://t.co/LQGNzpQsZT

RT @mnralphie: Remembering Eddie Mekka. The actor who played Carmine Ragusa on Laverne & Shirley and Joey DeLuca on Blansky’s Beauties. #Ed…

RT @mnralphie: Remembering Eddie Mekka. The actor who played Carmine Ragusa on Laverne & Shirley and Joey DeLuca on Blansky’s Beauties. #Ed…