Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Bruce Gordon Obituary
Gordon, who had lived in Santa Fe since the 1970s, died Jan. 20, 12 days before his 95th birthday.
Santa Fe Funeral Options, which handled arrangements, says a private family memorial will be held in Big Sur, Calif.
Before taking on his most famous role as mobster Frank Nitti in "The Untouchables," Gordon played police officers, detectives, prosecutors and cowboys. He appeared on such television programs as "The Hallmark Hall of Fame," ''Gunsmoke," ''Maverick" ''Perry Mason" and "Bonanza."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
174 Entries
Dan OBrien
April 27, 2025
Bruce
My Dad was a friend of yours
I met you in Santa Fe Nm
When I was 12
I had no idea of the legend you were
May Rest in peace
And say Hi to my Dad for me
Dan OBrien
Manchester Massachusetts
Santa Fe Nm
Rocky Sullivan
May 10, 2024
Tremendous actor- I loved him in the role of Frank Nitti! He made you want to root for the BAD GUYS against "goody two shoes" Ness. Just a bit of humor but Mr. Gordon played his parts so well they seemed real!!
Rocky Sullivan of Rocky's Run, WV.
Bobby Dienert
December 15, 2021
.my condolences to your family my grand father was friends with Al Capone in the 20s and 30s and made moon shine and sold it to him by the truck loads iwatch the untouchables and it brings back memories of my grand father your loved one portrayed the part excellent my condolences again bobby
Donald R. Smith, Sr.
April 27, 2021
May God bless you and your family. I am a huge fan of Mr. Gordon's work in the Untouchables. Frank Nitro was the man. He was the best gangsta of all time. Even though we didn't know one another, I would have enjoyed having a couple of beers with you and sharing some tough talk. RIP Frank!
How you can show support
Richard Turner
April 25, 2021
Bruce Gordon played the role of gangster Frank Nitti very well. I'm watching him right now on The Untouchables.
Donald Smith
March 9, 2021
He really looked and played the part of tough guy Nitti. My favorite character on the Untouchables. RIP...
Linda Lundgren
August 23, 2020
I’m watching The Untouchables right now! The episodes with Bruce Gordon in them were always my favorites!
Cheryl Davila
April 18, 2020
Mr Gordon was a fine actor. I really miss him. He played Frank Nitti very well. He was the best !!!!!
Rod Brumley
Rod Brumley
November 26, 2018
He was the best of the regular guests on the Untouchables - he played a great Frank Nitti
One of my favorite shows as a kid. RIP
Karen Hawkins
April 28, 2018
I love watching the old untouchables episodes with Bruce Gordon, great actor!
February 26, 2018
To a real tuff guy, who had a warm smile and kind heart !! Miss ya Frank!
Harry Davis
May 29, 2017
Mah man....Mr Gordon "Frank the enforcer Nitti" good job, may you RIP!!!
Garry DeManty
April 10, 2017
I always enjoyed watching Bruce on the untouchables some of his lines were quite funny even if his character was not suppose to be.I javelin l the Untouchables movies at home and still watch then today as a senior citizen as I did as a teenagers
Robert Coleman
July 11, 2015
Enjoyed your work. RIP
C C
July 11, 2015
RIP
Tim Griggs
March 14, 2015
Bruce was a good friend of my Grandpa's Jimmy Bowers. The two of them opened Frank Nitti's Place here in Kansas City Missouri. I still have an autographed picture of him. RIP Bruce.
Dan Savard
March 12, 2015
I grew up in northridge and went to school with your Vince. Although my first meeting was when climbed up to my shine stand at the rams horn barber shop. You were so curtious and kind
[email protected].
February 11, 2015
Although I never saw Mr. Gordon in person, I dined in his Kansas City restraint "Frank Nitti's Place" on several occasions. I remember the atmosphere being like a place in the 20's with memorabilia from the Untouchables show all over the place. The food was very good. I always looked forward to watching The Untouchables at midnight when I got home from work and still enjoy them on dvd. Rest in peace Mr. Gordon
Jeffrey Haber
January 10, 2015
Bruce Gordon was a colorful character actor who brought mobster Frank Nitti to life on the classic TV series, The Untouchables. Always impeccably dressed, Bruce Gordon's rendition of Frank Nitti is unforgettable. I will always remember his great performances in such Untouchables episodes as "The Frank Nitti Story ,"The Purple Gang" and then some. I enjoyed talking to Mr.Gordon only once on the telephone back in 2005. Moreover, Bruce Gordon's on-screen chemistry with rival good-guy Eliot Ness (brilliantly played by Robert Stack) on "The Untouchables" will forever be priceless.
Daryl Behling
November 10, 2014
Mr. Gordon played Frank Nitti in "The Untouchables" so well that when I saw a real photo of Frank Nitti, I would say, No, the real Frank Nitti WAS Bruce Gordon! Mr. Gordon was the best! Along with that, Robert Stack will always be Eliot Ness! They complemented each other in their roles!! Still a hugh fan!!
Jeanne d'Arc Duval
June 13, 2014
A good actor. Bye bye.
peg moore
March 29, 2014
Wish I could hsve met you. I remember you fondly--even when you were playing the bad guys.
January 3, 2014
I met Bruce Gordon one time at his home in June 1999. He was such a great guy and I made one photo of him. He could be very funny at times.
[email protected]
Rob Macdonald
November 16, 2013
One of my favorite "bad guys" from The Untouchables. You were big and tough and charismatic as Frank Nitti. I always look forward to watching the show and especially when I know that you are going to be in an episode. Thanks for the great memories.
Ed Murphy
September 19, 2013
Like a great sports rivalry, Eliot Ness vs. Frank Nitti was must see TV. But as Bob Stack said, "Bruce Gordon really was a crook. He stole every scene he was in." U da man, Mr. Gordon.
guy gonzalez
December 8, 2011
Fabulous actor at the best time in the history of television. I am glad I lived to see this time with such compelling actors as Mr Gordon. For it always is his episodes in the Untouchables that to this day I watch regularly. Thank You Mr. Gordon for being the pro that you were.
September 29, 2011
The greatest Frank Nitti ever. I'm very sorry for his family's loss.
September 27, 2011
I remember you greeting patrons at a pizza restaurant in Kansas City named "Frank Nitti's Place" back in the early 1980's. You were the first film celebrity I had ever met and appreciated your staying in character as customers enjoyed REAL Chicago style pizza. RIP Bruce, you were the epitome of TV gangsters!
---Gary Merchant, Olathe, KS
Stone Wallace
June 23, 2011
Wonderful strong actor and a heackuva nice guy, too. Never had the chance to meet Mr. Gordon, though I'd heard he was very friendly and approachable. He did graciously send me an autographed photo in his unforgettable guise as Frank Nitti. The ultimate tough guy on that program, but still played with humor and even a bit of charm. Condolences to the family. RIP Mr. Gordon
Jack Griffin
May 14, 2011
One of the best reasons to watch The Untouchables..he will be missed:.(
chad mcck
April 16, 2011
the best tv gangster in history
Eva Wikstrom
April 9, 2011
I knew Bruce Gordon when I lived in Santa Fe in 1989-1991. He was such a charming man and he made me laugh with his stories about his acting days and about his parents coming over on a ship.
He brought me his vhs movie of 'Carmen' to borrow because he thought I would like it. I did, but mostly because he made it special to me.
At Christmas I gave him a package of Swedish goodies I made and he liked the candy called Knack best. He told me he could use 100 more of them, so I made him another whole batch. He gave me an autographed picture and signed it: "To my favorite knackers". I cherish that picture and will always remember our conversations with fondness.
For 6 months his address has been sitting by my phone and I was going to write to him. I very much regret not finding the time to do so and it makes me very sad.
A terrific, warm hearted man!
Thanks for the memories!
william Blome
April 7, 2011
Terrific in "The Untouchables." He MADE the show!
harry stsavior
March 7, 2011
unforgettable with pinache actor in untouchables
alistair macfarlane
February 4, 2011
I have just been watching the first series of the Untouchables on DVD & am very sorry to hear of Bruce Gordon's passing. I grew up with The Untouchables and as a TV program, it was very popular here in Australia. Bruce was the best choice to play Frank Nitti, & he did so with power & menace. He will be sorely missed. My sympathies go out to his family. Alistair Macfarlane, Adelaide, South Australia.
Cynthia Monroe
February 2, 2011
I am watching the Untouchables right now as I sign this book. I wanted to look him up because he is one of my favorites in the show and I am just finding out that he has passed. I am missing him already. Great actor!! My condolences to the family...Cynthia Monroe (Chicago, IL)
Rex Anderson
February 2, 2011
There aren't any actors like this guy anymore. He leaves a great legacy to people like me who love vintage television.
Rex Anderson
Australia
edmund rossy
February 1, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 1, 2011
enjoyed your work, i still watch the untouchables
Christy Stone
January 31, 2011
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Grange Edwards
January 31, 2011
My favorite was when he played Bella Oxmix in a Piece Of The Action. A sincere believable actor with strong prescence is what my Grandfather called him when he worked as an extra and stuntman together on Untouchables. Said he was the nicest fellow on the set and could turn on the mean when cameras rolled.
God Bless!
Grange Edwards Jr.
Cocoa Beach FL.
Kenneth Grindle
January 31, 2011
The Best... Good Bye Frank Nitti.... The Untouchable.....
January 31, 2011
Thank you Bruce Gordon for your roll in one of my favorite shows of all times, The Untouchables. I sat one foot from the T.V. not wanting to miss one minute of excitement. Well done.
Carol Ludington---Little Meadows, Pa.
Bill Tennis
January 31, 2011
They certainly do not make them like they used to
Thank you for the memories
Bill
Bob O'Donnell
January 31, 2011
What a loss...Mr. Gordon played many great parts and his character of Frank Nitti in the UnTouchables was fantastic and lives on every weekday at 11:30 PM on MeTV in Chicago. I will always remember his graveling voice, on the series talking on the phone to one of his henchmen, "and you just remember I want dat guy dead" (referring to Robert Redford's Character) Mr. Gordon was one of the greatest character actors and he will missed.
Bob O'Donnell
Schererville, IN (Chicago suburb)
Tony Carr
January 31, 2011
I have been watching the untouchables since I was a little boy ...and when my parents went to sleep ...i would get up and go down stairs... and turn on ch. 11 every night at 11:30.... and I was taken into another world...I couldn't believe what I was watching...it's been a long time since i watched the show .... but i just recently found it on the internet.... which has been nothing short of wonderful for myself.... to time warp back to my childhood... once more... even for only a short while.... as a 51 yr old true blue fan of all of the untouchables..... and a lot of great bad guys too.... but of all the bad guys... and some of them scared me pretty good as I remember.... but none of them... not one.... could hold a candle.... to the fear ....that Bruce Gordon... aka Frank Nitty... put into me...you had to have rocks in your head ....to mess around with that guy ....and its all because of the ...PERFECT .. precise job ...in my mind ...that... Mr. Gordon .... portrayed.... of the second most famous and feared gangster of them all... and thank you ...."mr. nitti".... for giving me something ...i could not wait to go to bed for .... and now to watch all over again ... only now with no commercials...Thank you very much
Laurel Barrett
January 31, 2011
Did not recognize the name but I certainly remembered his face. I grew up in the old black and white days of TV and remember him well. He was a good actor whether he was playing a hero or villan
Margie Daniels
January 31, 2011
Thanks for all of the wonderful story lines and outstanding acting.
One of the greats!
January 30, 2011
Thank you Mr Gordon for all your rolls. Cousin Jim
January 30, 2011
His portrayal of Frank Nitti was actually bang-on; see Ronald D. Humble's "Frank Nitti: the True Story of Chicago's Notorious Enforcer".
Laura Thompson
January 30, 2011
What memories people like Bruce Gordon stir in us who grew up watching all the shows he played a part in. He was a fine actor and I'm glad he lived a long life; I only wish he had known how so many of us admired him but never had the chance to tell him.
January 30, 2011
Before the Untouchables, from 1954-56 Mr. Gordon also made his mark on television on The Goldbergs. He gives a great understated comedic perfromance by portraying Jake Goldberg's business partner in the dress making business. Innovator and creator of that show Gertrude Berg knew talent when she saw it, and Mr.Gordon proved to be a versatile example of that.
Andrew Stone, Milwaukee
Lynn Smith
January 30, 2011
Growing up I watched the Untouchables and Mr Gordon was a fine actor in any role he played. He will be missed.
Eraina Woodworth
January 29, 2011
In most shows you remember the "good guy", the "bad guy", and the "girlfriend". Everyone who watched "The Untouchables" looked forward to the next Frank Nitti law-breaking episode. I am sorry for the family's loss and may he rest in peace.
Richard Herrick
January 29, 2011
Rest in Peace. I saw "Untouchables TV 1959 to 1963.
Hugh Breyer
January 29, 2011
Bruce Gordon's Frank Nitti was as important to the Untouchables as Elliot Ness.
January 28, 2011
Mr Gordon was a terrific actor in all the roles he played. May he now rest in peace. Jane & Bill Austerlitz, NY
Fred Pohl
January 28, 2011
I liked Bruce as Frank Nitti
Him and Robert Stack Played Old devoted enemies to the hilt on The Untochables I hope Bruce has eternal rest
Steve B
January 28, 2011
I always enjoyed his work, but there was a comedy called Run Buddy Run in which he spoofed his Nitti character that our whole family enjoyed. Condolences to his family.
Richard Morgan
January 28, 2011
You were a wonderful actor in the The Untouchables a lot people say you made that program I enjoyed watching you. Bye Bye I am going to miss you.
Mike Lentz
January 28, 2011
You were a great character actor Mr. Gordon. You also had a strong voice. Thanks for the wonderful memories.
January 28, 2011
To one of my favorite actors when I was a child. He was my favorite character in the Untouchables. He was the main character whom made me watch The Untouchables. He was always a true craftman in television and movies back then. My sympathy for the family and may he rest peacefully in heaven. Linda D. Howard (Toledo, Ohio)
January 28, 2011
Condolensecs to the family. I loved watching you on the untouchable.
THURMAN
January 28, 2011
To the family of Bruce Gordor,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Please find comfort in the words at Act 24:15. That scripture tells of a time when you will be able to see your dead loved ones again.
Victoria VZj
January 28, 2011
Our sentiments of
condolences to
Bruce Gordon'
All the favorites
are leaving inside
thier own mystical Journey~
Ricky Larocque
January 28, 2011
Condolensecs to you and I hope in heaven you are a movie star too as you were on earth. Well my friend I will see you again. I wish your family well. God Bless.
Tom Simon
January 28, 2011
A great presence on screen. My best wishes to his family.
KC Jefferies
January 28, 2011
I remember watching you mostly on the UntouchableS. You were a helluva an actor. You made bad guys likable, until the good guys came to put you away! I think you even did a 'gangster theme' Star Trek? You & the rest of Old-time Hollywood Members/Gang can now reminist over all your great scenes, in the movie house in the skies! Nice Work! RIP.
Bill Davis
January 28, 2011
As a kid of the fifties and early sixties he was always afavorite on The Untouchables, quite a great actor who had a long life. God Bless his family.
Renato Lima
January 28, 2011
God bless you my friend...
Ray Lima
Hudson,Ma 01749
January 28, 2011
I
He was a great actor,I will miss him.condolences to Mr. Gorden's family.
Sincerely,
Jaffar from Malaysia
Gayle Burleson
January 27, 2011
My condolences to the family of Mr Gordan. I grew up watching him on various shows and he was great. By the way no one have beenable to play Frank Nitti better.
Rest in peace Mr.Gordan.
GG Bigrigg
January 27, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to Mr Bruce Gordon's family.
He was a wonderful character actor, so
believe-able.
May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Ms GG Bigrigg
Catherine
January 27, 2011
My condolences to the family of Bruce Gordon. He was just fantastic.
Mr. Gordon will be in my prayers.
Richard
January 27, 2011
I grew up enjoying THE UNTOUCHABLES. It's hard to believe that we have lost both Mr. Nitti and Lee Hobson about the same time. Sorry for your loss as well.
Anne Hodge
January 27, 2011
Goodbye Mr. Gordon. I just saw you today on Perry Mason. You were a fine actor. Sorry you are gone.
willie young
January 27, 2011
sorryforyourlossverygoodactor
Mary Jones
January 27, 2011
I am a big fan of the TV series "The Untouchables". That was one of the shows that I most looked forward to seeing every week. Ever tho Bruce Gordon played a bad guy I have to say that he was one of the ones that made the show great.
Patricia Shire
January 27, 2011
I am sorry for you lost. I do also remember Mr. Gordon in the untouchables. I also know the feeling of losing a love one. But rest assure he's in good hands.
January 27, 2011
Don't know how many Brocktonians know it but Bruce Gordon is from MA. Fitchburg, MA
Paul Smith,
Pembroke, MA
Ted Bates
January 27, 2011
I grew up in the 1950's and 60's and was a prolific TV watcher as were most of my "Boomer" generation, Bruce Gordon was the epitome of character actors, his most formidable role was that of Frank Nitti in the series "The Untouchables " We never liked Frank and always rooted for Eliot. In retrospect, and having an understanding for the fine acting profession, Frank is the hero. Everytime I see old movies with either Bruce or Paul Picerni, I am reminded of my youth. He was a fine actor. Ted Bates
Harry Simpson
January 27, 2011
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
shirley
January 27, 2011
I was a big "Untouchables" fan and Frank Nitti was the mobster that we loved to hate. Mr. Gordon was a very convincing actor; May God be with the family and friends of Mr. Gordon.
Gerald Perschbacher
January 27, 2011
When I was a young boy, I thrilled to the episodes of THE UNTOUCHABLBES and -- outside of the portrayal of Eliot Ness -- I was simply fascinated by the on-screen presence of Frank Nitti. Then, when I went to college, a taxi driver showed me a place where he said that Nitti was "riddled" by gunshots as he visited an ill friend. That building was turned into an off-campus living place by the college I attended. I knew EXACTLY what the driver meant, since Bruce Gordon had brought the image of Nitti to life for me.
Mr. Gordon was fun to watch, being a true actor with expressive delivery and good use of timing, coupled with a controlled vocal delivery. I never thought he might have still been living since so many notables from the 1950s and early 1960s are long gone. But his family can take a bit of joy in knowing that Mr. Gordon was truly appreciated by those of us who saw him "back then."
There is more. I have been watching DVDs of THE UNTOUCHABLES and Mr. Gordon has become part of my life once more. I even introduced him to my adult son and daughter, who were also impressed. Good acting spans the generations.
God bless--
Gerald Perschbacher
Mary Jeffers
January 27, 2011
Remembering Bruce Gordon: A little of my childhood memories left with your passing. I wish you could have played a cameo role in "The Untouchables" movie in 1987. Billy Drago brought excellence to the role of Frank Nitti in the movie version with his white suit, but I see you as the original Frank Nitti. Apparently, you were a mobster who took good care of his body. Rest in peace, dear Bruce Gordon!
Matt McGrath
January 27, 2011
My condolences to Mr. Gordon's family. He was a fine character actor whom I enjoy watching on the "Untouchables" DVDs. Quite a coincidence he died the day after Paul Picerni of the same program.
Keith Ramsey
January 27, 2011
Best bad guy there ever was! Thank you for all the good TV. RIP!
John Williams
January 27, 2011
Great actor who I enjoyed watching on the 'Untouchables'. My condolences to his family.
Butch
January 27, 2011
The Untouchables was one of my favorite shows and my favorite episodes were the ones with Frank Nitti. Always a very convincing performance. RIP Bruce Gordon.
Linda
January 27, 2011
Mr Gordon was so good playing Frank Nitti when I was a kid I felt he was the real deal. I only enjoyed the Untouchables when he was on there. Thanks for all the wonderful memories and as one of your fans I will miss you, what a long blessed life God granted you.
Rest in Peace.
Chuck Shea
January 27, 2011
Another great character actor has left us and again all i can say is thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us and for all the wonderful memories you gave us.
January 27, 2011
He was an awesome actor, I love "Untouchables". Rest In Peace Bruce you will be greatly missed
clark broden
January 27, 2011
He was certainly one of my favorite character actors in the 50's and 60's Golden Age of Television. Glad to see he lived a long time. RIP.
jarius smitherman
January 27, 2011
god bless your memory .you were a great actor.
michael citro
January 27, 2011
A salute to a great character actor...I loved him the most as Frank Nitti. They just don't make actors like that anymore!
louise wisinski
January 27, 2011
Mr. Gordon you were, and always will be, my all time favorite character actor. Rest In Peace; thanks for the memories.
Showing 1 - 100 of 174 results
Make a Donation
in Bruce Gordon's name
How to support Bruce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bruce Gordon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored