The Sex Symbol of Hill Street
I knew of football player and actor Ed Marinaro, but not well. I was a bit young to have watched him in much, but I do remember seeing his handsome face in magazines in the mid to late 80's when my obsession with celebrity, and celebrity magazines was beginning. A few weeks ago, while looking for an image for another Blast From The Past post, I came across an image of Ed that sparked this piece. Ed was standing in wearing turquoise underwear, (that look more like panties..) from a 1990 Fruit of the Loom ad, and decided he required further investigation.
Such a handsome man, sexy Italian New York face, great body and voice. Ed began his football career playing on his high school team in New Jersey and in 1971, was runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. Ed went on to play for the New York Jets in 1976, the Seattle Seahawks in 1977 and most famously with his first NFL team, The Minnesota Vikings from 1972 through 1975. Marinaro went on to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
After his football career ended, no one was about to let that face just go away. Marinaro did a few small parts before becoming a regular for a season on ABC's Laverne & Shirley in 1980. TV movies and guest star roles followed until he got his biggest role, that of Officer Joe Coffey on Hill Street Blues starting in 1981. After Hill St, Marinaro remained busy and also had short stints on Dynasty, Falcon Crest, Sisters and most recently as a football coach on Blue Mountain State.
Marinaro has made good use of his assets, especially his impressive bulge. (see image below) Marinaro's manhood has been the focus in more than a few of his photo-shoots and as well, in not one, but two underwear campaigns. The first, covered in red in the 70's when he modeled for Jockey. And again in 1990 for Fruit of the Loom in those turquoise undies I mentioned earlier.
Ed on Laverne & Shirley (1980-81 season)
A more recent shot of sexy Ed!
That 1990 Fruit of Loom ad:
