Watch Abe Vigoda Prove He Was Still Alive on a 1980’s Letterman Episode

When Abe Vigoda died Tuesday at age 94, so did the long-running joke about false reports of his demise.

The Godfather and Barney Miller actor always had a sense of humor about the mix-ups, and even appeared on Late Night With David Letterman in the ’80s to refute the most recent claims that he had passed away. After Vigoda detailed his most recent project and plans for his next shoot, Letterman said, “So, Abe, you’re anything but dead.” “Thank you,” Vigoda joked. The character actor then took the proof even further, leaving his mark on a mirror to show he was still among the living.