RIP Lt. Becker: Joe Santos dies at 84

[Riptide]

NEW YORK (AP) — Joe Santos, who played Lieutenant Dennis Becker on "The Rockford Files," has died at 84. Santos died Friday in Santa Monica, California, after a heart attack earlier in the week, according to his agent Alicia Beekman.

Santos' career spanned more than four decades, from a guest shot on "Naked City" in the early 1960s through a recurring role on "The Sopranos." But he was best known as Lieutenant Becker, the pal and grudging helpmate of L.A. private eye Jim Rockford (James Garner) on NBC's "The Rockford Files," which aired from 1974 to 1980 and scored him an Emmy nomination.

'Rockford Files' star Joe Santos dies at 84

 

[Starman]

If they ever do a "Rockford" remake, getting a good Dennis Becker will be a key. Santos and Garner had a real good chemistry that was a key part of the show.

It was fun to see Santos pop back up on the Sopranos 25 years later.

 

[Elliotte Friedman]

Also a key role in a great Magnum PI episode

 

[Shropshire Slasher]

I love seeing SoCal sites as they appeared in the 1970s and comparing them to now (or at least when I visit).

Friends there think it's old hat, which surprises me.