Mary Montero Actor Joe Santos’ wife

Meet Mary Montero

Mary Montero is the wife of late actor, Joe Santos –who played Lt. Dennis Becker on ‘The Rockford Files.’

Her husband passed away on March 18. He was 84-years-old.

Reports say, Santos suffered a heart attack while at his home, two days prior, and was taken off life support.

Montero’s husband was known for often playing a police officer in his film and television roles.

Joe Santos was born, Joseph Minieri on June 9, 1931 and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He stood out at football while at Fordham University and turned semi-pro before finding a new avenue in acting.

His debut role was in the film Flesh and Lace as a shop owner.

The film and television actor appeared on Hardcastle and McCormick. He is most recognized for his role as LAPD Sergeant Dennis Becker on the classic television drama, The Rockford Files. Joe –whose career spanned for over four decades –also made stellar appearances on ‘Magnum, P.I.’; ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Miami Vice.’

Joe’s work earned him plenty of praise, and he was given an Emmy nomination in 1979.

Joe Santos also had roles in films, such as The Postman, The Last Boy Scout, and Shaft’s Big Score!. His last role was in the movie Chronic, which was released in 2015.

Mary Montero is the mother of Santo’s children. Two sons, Joey and Perry Santos and one daughter. The couple were married on March 31st, 1958. Their son, Perry Santos is a producer, director and writer. Perry Santos posted to Facebook, to update about his father’s condition

My Dad, Joe Santos, is on life support and fighting for his life today. Please send your prayers and positive thoughts.”

While Joey Santos posted on March 15

Huddled together as a family with Perry, Lilli, Philip, Andrew and Nancy as Dad holds on by life support. Believing in miracles right now. Thank you for your prayers

Joey Santos, (pictured below in his youth) is a private chef. He studied acting at Beverly Hills Playhouse and resides in Wes Hollywood, California. Today, he simply wrote on Facebook: “I Love you dad.” Joey is in a relationship with a man named, Andrew Haan.

We send our condolences to Mary Montero and the rest of Joe Santos’ family and friends.