Veteran American actor Joe Marinelli dies at age 68

Veteran television and film actor Robert Marinelli has died following a battle with stomach cancer.

He passed away on June 22, 2025, in Burbank, California, surrounded by his loved ones.

Marinelli was best known for his memorable performances in television series such as Santa Barbara, General Hospital, and The Morning Show. In Santa Barbara, he became a fan favorite for his role as the cross-dressing mobster Bunny Tagliatti, appearing in 171 episodes. He also portrayed Joseph Sorel on General Hospital and starred alongside Mark Duplass in The Morning Show. His film credits include a role in Alexander Payne’s critically acclaimed 2004 drama Sideways.

The actor had been privately battling throat and stomach cancer for several years. His passing was confirmed by his wife, Jean Marinelli, and his agent, Julie Smith, in statements to The Hollywood Reporter and CNN.

Tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues across the industry. Actor Leigh McCloskey, Marinelli’s co-star on Santa Barbara, described him on Facebook as “a sweeter man or a dearer friend you could not find.” Mark Duplass, who appeared with Marinelli in The Morning Show, remembered him as a “generous performer, beautiful human, wide-eyed positivist.” Director Alexander Payne mourned the actor’s passing, calling him an “extraordinary artist.”

Marinelli leaves behind a legacy of rich, complex performances and a reputation as a kind-hearted and beloved figure within the entertainment world.

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