Report: Tony Danza Yells At Priest During Funeral

By Jett Wells Posted Nov 17th 2010 01:46PM

Funerals are never easy for anyone, but on Nov. 11, Tony Danza was apparently very tense at the ceremony memorializing writer Philip Carlo. In the middle of the eulogy, a dissatisfied Danza allegedly flipped out on the priest at the Peter C. La Bella Funeral Home in Brooklyn, a witness told the New York Post.

"Tony, who was one of Carlo's closest friends, walked right up to the priest and said angrily, 'Excuse me, but this is not about you. It's supposed to be about my friend, and if you can't do that, maybe you should let someone else speak!'" the source claimed.

According to the report, the priest was a substitute from a federal prison and was visibly disturbed by Danza's outburst.

"People were stunned, while the priest was visibly shaken," the source said. "He tried talking about Carlo before quickly wrapping things up. Danza took over and eulogized Carlo with memories from their younger days."

Guests included big names like Mickey Rourke, Chuck Zito, Danny Aiello and John "Cha Cha" Ciarcia.

Carlo died of Lou Gehrig's disease on Nov. 8 at age 61. He was best known for his bestselling biographies of mobsters and killers, including Richard "The Night Stalker" Ramirez and Richard "The Iceman" Kuklinski.

Tags: tony danza

Comments

(112)

Wednesday 17 November

By Liz

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way to go tony yell at the funeral so everyone will take note of you, someone should have told him it's not all about him. I used to like him as an actor, however, when he had his show it was always about him. If he hurt his hand you heard about it every day until it healed, that show didn't last long. Now his school teaching show even the kids recognized it always has to be about him. I'm sure the deceased's wife really appreciated you makeing a spectical at the funeral (for which it wasn't your place to do so).

By PJ

DRAKE? DRAKE WHO? CUZ THAT'S A MALE DUCK...A DRAKE, RIGHT?? ....YEA...THAT'S A MALE DUCK....nevermind! :)

By JILLIAN

Just another chance for TONY to "act" he needs so much attention now.
I just attended a funeral and it was boring, however U Don't interupt!
You wait and then say your peace...

By Gurr

heather is so full of it that her eyes are (all 3 of them) brown

By ctpicman

If you don't want preaching at your funeral, don't ask clergy to officiate! If you don't want a religious service, don't ask clergy to officiate! If you're aunt never went to worship services, don't ask clergy to officiate! If clergy are asked to officiate, keep your yaps shut! They are there because some family member (perhaps even the deceased him/herself) asked them to be there. If you want Black Sabbath or techno punk at your funeral--go ahead and do it, just don't ask clergy to officiate!

By thmperr

I fully support Tony in this. All too often I have been to funerals where the priest droned on and on and pretended to know the deceased, but with every word proved that he didn't. It is insulting and disrespectful to the deceased. But most people are too afraid to do anything to put a stop to it. I have given my family strict instructions that when I die if the pastor does this, he is to be escorted off the premises.

By zulusue

Danza was right to say something, the service is about both the deceased and eternal life. I have sat through too many services with an officiant who knew nothing about the deceased including names. If the clergy can't show enough respect to learn about whom they are eulogizing, they needn't be there.

Thursday 18 November

By doowop

it;s like this, when you want a eulogy, a family member or close friend should be the one to do it, tony was wrong to yell at the priest, but he could have suggested taking over the eulogy.

By Donna Dinan

Right on, Tony. I have been there many times. Priests who have no idea who the deceased was, could care less who the deceased was and go on to say so. I have been tempted myself to stop the ritual with the same accusation that the event is NOT about the priest.

By avanticrzy

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Can't tell you how many times I've thought of yelling at clergyperson when they were talking about someone whom the didn't really know............GOOD FOR TONY !!!!!

By jw

Danza has been disrespectful arrogant no talent loser!!!!!

By judie

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Tony should be ashamed of himself. He has gotten to be such an azz. just what this world needs is another has been whinny actor.

By edebartoloiii

I know what Tony must have felt, the priest at my Grandpa's funeral got it all wrong and it pissed me off. I went up there and took over and spoke about my Grandpa to standing ovation.

By heelermama

Not surprised at all. Years ago my mom witnessed him go off on a young adult at a dance studio in the Valley who was asking for his autograph.

By Bill

You go Tony you go!!! The man was closest to you!!! You (((knew )))) him better than anyone!!!

By juli

Whadda ya expect...! He's ITALIAN!

By JEB BUCKINGHAM

Yo Tony! Be sure brain is engaged before putting mouth into gear.

I agree with Lori from Stanten Island, that Danza is more than 50. Way more ,b/c when he was in his 20s , on Taxi, I was in my mid 20s. I am now 62 . OK, he might be 55 or 58.

By debbie

TONY was right ,he knew the guy for years and he took the death of his friend very hard. Give Tony a break HE did what was in his heart.

By MARTIN HUNTER

Leave to a celebrity to OPEN THEIR BIG MOUTH! for attention! I am so sick of celebrities thinking they are mightier than everyone else. Just sickening! Danza should have been more professional and talked to the priest afterwards! If Danza had something to say, he should have been part of the eulogy in the first place. He should not have humiliated this priest in such a way. Plus he ruined this dead mans service by shocking his friends and family. No wonder this actor is not on T.V much anymore. Grow up Danza....Go apologize to this guys friends and family!

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