Joe Marinelli, a distinguished actor renowned for his contributions to daytime television, passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with throat and stomach cancer . Marinelli’s career spanned several decades, during which he became a beloved figure in the soap opera community. His portrayal of Bunny Tagliatti on "Santa Barbara," a cross-dressing mobster character featured in over 170 episodes, earned him critical acclaim and a Soap Opera Digest Award . This role not only showcased his versatility but also solidified his status as a soap legend.
Joe Marinelli, a character actor best known for his work on various soap operas, has died. He was 68.
Marinelli died of stomach cancer on Sunday, June 22, in Burbank, Calif., his wife Jean Marinelli told The Hollywood Reporter. His agent, Julie Smith, confirmed to PEOPLE that Marinelli had been diagnosed and was living with throat and stomach cancer.
Marinelli was born on Jan. 21, 1957, in Meriden, Conn., and moved to Southern California at 4 years old. He attended Arcadia High School in Los Angeles and Reno High School in Nevada. He received his higher education at Loyola Marymount University and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
After returning to the U.S., he performed in local L.A. productions, all while working as a carpenter. By 1984, he landed roles in Cagney & Lacey, Paper Dolls, Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law. The latter of which eventually introduced him to the executive producer of Santa Barbara, Jill Farren Phelps, who hired him to portray cross-dressing mobster Bunny Tagliatti.
Mark Duplass tweeted Tuesday, “We lost a great one. Joe Marinelli lived in rare air. Generous performer, beautiful human, wide-eyed positivist.”
Marinelli is remembered not only for his artistic achievements but also for his resilience throughout years of illness. Survived by his wife Jean and two sons, he leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire both fans and fellow actors alike . His death signifies the end of an era for soap opera aficionados who admired his compelling performances and enduring presence onscreen.
Read more
No More Scrolling: WhatsApp Now Summarizes Messages With AI Historic Moment: NASA’s Webb Telescope Takes First Direct Image of a Planet Beyond Our Solar SystemSara H
Also on site :