Johnny Seven (actor)

Early life

Seven was born in Brooklyn, New York. His parents, who were Italian immigrants, also had five daughters. He began acting and singing as a teenager. He served with the United States Army in the Philippines during World War II and performed with the United Service Organizations (USO). Fetto earned his nickname "Johnny Seven" while serving in the Army and kept it as his stage name following the end of the war.

Career

Seven began his acting career in New York City theater. He portrayed Karl Matuschka, the brother in-law of Shirley MacLaine's character, in The Apartment. In the film, he beats up the character played by Jack Lemmon. His other film credits include The Last Mile (1959), Guns of the Timberland (1960), What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? (1968) and Murder at the World Series (1977). Seven co-wrote, produced, directed, and starred in Navajo Run, his western independent film released in 1964.

On television, in addition to Ironside, he was cast in a spin-off series, Amy Prentiss. His other television credits included roles on Rescue 8, The Man from Blackhawk, Bonanza, Hennesey, The Everglades, Gunsmoke, CHiPs, Naked City, Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, The Phil Silvers Show, Batman (episodes 25 and 26), Death Valley Days, Peter Gunn, The Untouchables, The Rockford Files, The Wild Wild West, and Charlie's Angels.

In addition to his acting career, Seven also owned a real estate business in the San Fernando Valley.

Death

Seven died of complications from lung cancer at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California, on January 22, 2010, at the age of 83. He was survived by his wife of 60 years, Edith. and his son, John Anthony Fetto, III, an attorney in Walnut Creek, CA. His memorial service was held at St. John Baptist de La Salle Parish in Granada Hills, California on February 6, 2010.