"Laverne and Shirley's" Eddie Mekka Arrested for DUI

"Laverne and Shirley" star Eddie Mekka was arrested on Friday after alleged involvement in a drunken car crash. According to FOX News, law enforcement officials received a phone call around 12:30 PM about a collision with a "suspected drunk driver." When police arrived, they administered field sobriety tests and arrested Eddie Mekka for suspicion of driving under the influence.

Born in 1952, Eddie Mekka is the son of Armenian parents Marian and Vaughn V. Mekjian. Eddie Mekka is a native of Worcester, MA. He is most famous for his role as Carmine on Laverne and Shirley which he played from 1976 until 1983. Other television credits include "24," "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "The Bold and the Beautiful," and "Catch Me If You Can." Eddie Mekka's Broadway credits include "Hairspray" and "Grease." He also received a Tony Award nomination for his role in "The Lieutenant."

"Laverne and Shirley" Star Eddie Mekka Arrested for DUI: A Hollywood Phenomenon?

Eddie Mekka's DUI come within a day of "Three's Company" star Joyce DeWitt's DUI. Joyce DeWitt was arrested on Saturday for driving past a barricade, subsequently failing field sobriety tests. She has been released on bail.

Eddie Mekka is only of many cases of celebrities and DUIs. Other famous DUIs include Mel Gibson, Heather Locklear, Khloe Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, and Haley Joel Osment. Although alcoholism seems to run rampant in Hollywood, one would hope that these celebrities would at least appoint designated drivers if they've had too much.

Khloe Kardashian was arrested for a DUI in 2007. In "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," she explains that she was having trouble coping with her father's death. While such a loss is painful, one would hope that there would be healthier ways to deal with grief.

As reported on Total DUI, Haley Joel Osment was arrested in 2006 for DUI after crashing into a mailbox. He does take responsibility for his actions, explaining that he violated his family's trust. He also goes on to suggest that drinking and driving is not a Hollywood problem, but that it can happen to anyone.

Yet given that public figures often act as role models for young people, celebrities could set a better example by not drinking and driving themselves. Hopefully Eddie Mekka will have learned from this experience.

Sources:

'Laverne and Shirley' Star Eddie Mekka Arrested for DUI, FOX News

Celebrity Spotlight on New Drunk Driving Charges, Total DUI