Larry Manetti, a seasoned actor renowned for his portrayal of Orville Wilbur Richard “Rick” Wright on the CBS series Magnum, P.I., alongside Tom Selleck, has graced various television shows including Black Sheep Squadron, Battlestar Galactica, JAG, and Hawaii Five-0. Recently, keen-eyed fans have observed Manetti utilizing a wheelchair, sparking inquiries regarding his well-being. Speculations have arisen about whether his wheelchair usage stems from an illness or injury. Delving into the actor’s health status and its impact on his career sheds light on the matter.
How Did Larry Manetti End Up in a Wheelchair?
As per MSN1, Manetti disclosed in an interview that he experienced a stroke seven years prior, resulting in mobility challenges. Recounting his ordeal, he mentioned being in a coma for three days and enduring a rigorous six-month physical therapy regimen. Additionally, he shared grappling with memory loss and the need to reacquire speech abilities.
Expressing gratitude for his survival, Manetti credited his wife Nancy DeCarl as his unwavering support system during recovery, dubbing her his “angel” for her pivotal role in his life-saving journey.
How Does Larry Manetti’s Wheelchair Affect His Acting Career?
Following his stroke, Manetti shared that acting opportunities dwindled as many producers were hesitant to cast him due to his wheelchair use. Despite this, he recounted instances where his wheelchair was discreetly incorporated into projects, such as a film and select episodes of the Magnum P.I. reboot, where he portrayed a character named Nicky Demarco.
However, Manetti expressed gratitude for landing a guest role on Blue Bloods, where he portrayed retired police sergeant Sam Velucci, also a wheelchair user. He credited executive producer Kevin Wade for embracing his wheelchair use and crafting a role specifically for him. He also commended his co-star Vanessa Ray, who portrayed Officer Eddie Janko.
Despite not sharing scenes with longtime friend Tom Selleck, who portrayed Commissioner Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods, Manetti revealed they remained close friends. He mentioned their nightly dinner outings during his time in New York, highlighting their enduring camaraderie.
What Is Larry Manetti Doing Now?
Despite his wheelchair use, Manetti emphasized that he remains active and engaged. He revealed that he co-hosts a weekly radio program with his wife Nancy on CRN Digital Talk Radio Networks, where they discuss a wide range of topics including entertainment, politics, sports, and lifestyle. Additionally, he mentioned that he is currently working on a new book, serving as a sequel to his memoir Aloha Magnum. This forthcoming book will continue to delve into his experiences on Magnum P.I. and share anecdotes about notable figures such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Maintaining an optimistic outlook, Manetti expressed his determination to forge ahead despite his physical challenges. He emphasized that his wheelchair does not hinder him from living life to the fullest. Grateful for the support of his fans, who regularly send messages of encouragement, he voiced his aspirations to pursue further acting opportunities and continue sharing his captivating stories with the world.