Born in New York City in 1940, DeLano found his way into show business long before he ever appeared on screen. A daredevil by nature — skydiving, riding motorcycles, and seeking thrills wherever he could — he first experienced the spark of performing at age 10, after moving to Harlem and joining a neighborhood singing group. By 14, he was convinced he’d seen enough of life to leave home behind and head to Hollywood in pursuit of an acting career.

When that early dream didn’t pan out, he shifted to singing, traveling from town to town and taking any gig he could.

During his time in the Army, DeLano continued performing, spending three years acting and singing in military revues while also serving as a paratrooper.

In 1960, at just 20 years old, he briefly became “Key Larson” after signing a recording contract with Swan Records — the stage name came with the deal. He recorded several tracks and quickly booked appearances as a guest performer on American Bandstand, though the new name never felt authentic to him.

By the early 1970s, he had turned his focus back to acting, earning roles on Adam-12, Barnaby Jones, and Banyon, along with early film appearances in Catlow (1971) and The New Centurions(1972).

His first major television role arrived in 1974, when he played firefighter Sonny Caputo in all 13 episodes of ABC’s Firehouse, portraying the company cook and the resident comic relief.

More guest roles followed on some of TV’s most popular shows of the era, including Kojak, The Rockford Files, and Starsky and Hutch.