Thesp portrayed prosecutor in 'Helter Skelter'
Character actor George DiCenzo,who portrayed prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi in “Helter Skelter,” died Aug. 9 in Newtown, Pa. He was 70 and had been in failing health since a near-fatal accident a few years back.
He toplined as the author of the book, Bugliosi, in the 1976 telepic on investigation and trial of cult killer Charles Manson. Thesp, who attended the Yale School of Drama, led a career that spanned more than three decades. DiCenzo appeared in series, including “Gunsmoke,” “The Waltons,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Police Story,” and “NYPD Blue.” In pics he was featured in pics such as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Back to the Future,” and “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,” which was his last outing. He also did voiceover for toons “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” “Animaniacs” and “Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven,” among others. In 1992, DiCenzo appeared with Nathan Lane in the Broadway production of George C. Scott-helmed “On Borrowed Time.” In addition to acting, DiCenzo’s voice could be heard on numerous commercials and in later years, he was an acting instructor in New York and Philadelphia. Survivors include wife, Donna, a son, three grandchildren and a sister. Donations may be made in his name to to a Woman’s Place, P.O. Box 299, Doylestown, PA 18901.
