Actor Joe Marinelli has died.
The star has sadly passed away at the age of 68. Joe, who recently featured in the popular Apple TV series The Morning Show, died on Sunday June 22 from stomach cancer, his family confirmed.
Marinelli’s agent, Julie Smith, informed CNN that he had been battling stomach and throat cancer for several years prior to his death. His wife, Jean Marinelli, also verified the news of his passing to The Hollywood Reporter.
The seasoned actor boasted over 50 screen credits, including portraying Bunny Tagliatti in 171 episodes of NBC soap Santa Barbara, bank robber Pauly Hardman on the CBS daytime drama Guiding Light in 1993, and mobster Joseph Sorel in General Hospital. His earlier roles were in the mid-1980s, on popular programmes such as Cagney & Lacey, Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law.
His most recent role was in The Morning Show, where he played show director Donny Spagnoli in 20 episodes.
He appeared on the show alongside lead actresses Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, who played TV presenters on a fictional network show.
Friends and fans alike have paid tribute to the beloved actor and director Alexander Payne had this to say: “The great Joe Marinelli acted in my very first movie at film school 40 years ago and again in Sideways.”
“Aside from being an extraordinary artist, he was a uniquely magnificent human being with a heart as big as the ocean.”
His former co-star Leigh J. McCloskey also wrote: “He was a great acting partner, teacher, philosophical friend, passionate believer in people, and a storyteller extraordinaire.”
“It saddens me greatly to say goodbye to my old friend and his belief in the goodness, and even the possible greatness of the human adventure. I’m glad I walked this earth with you Joe.”
The actor leaves behind his wife Jean, who he tied the knot with back in 1991, and their two children Vincent and David.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
