Veteran character actor Joe Marinelli, known for his memorable roles on soap operas including “General Hospital” and “Santa Barbara,” died June 22 in Burbank, California. He was 68 years old.
Marinelli’s wife of 34 years, musician Jean Marinelli, confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter. His agent Julie Smith told CNN that Marinelli had been diagnosed with throat and stomach cancer several years ago and had been living with the diseases. The actor ultimately died from stomach cancer, according to his wife.
Born Joseph Anthony Marinelli on January 21, 1957, in Meriden, Connecticut, he moved with his family to Southern California in 1961 when he was four years old. Marinelli attended Arcadia High School in Los Angeles and Reno High School in Nevada before pursuing higher education at Loyola Marymount University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
After returning to the United States, Marinelli performed in local Los Angeles theater productions while working as a carpenter to support himself. His television career began in 1984 with guest roles on popular series including “Cagney & Lacey,” “Paper Dolls,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “L.A. Law.”
Marinelli’s breakthrough role came through his work on “L.A. Law,” where he caught the attention of Jill Farren Phelps, executive producer of “Santa Barbara.” Phelps hired him to portray Bernardo “Bunny” Tagliatti, a cross-dressing mobster who became one of the show’s most memorable characters.
From 1988 to 1990, Marinelli appeared in more than 170 episodes as Bunny Tagliatti, earning a Soap Opera Digest Award for his performance. The character allowed him to explore both male and female personas while maintaining what he described as a strong moral code. Marinelli explained that when Bunny was emotionally hurt, the character would turn to his female alter ego as a coping mechanism.
The role taught Marinelli practical lessons about gender presentation. He discovered that “pants are a lot more comfortable than nylons” and appreciated when someone told him his portrayal demonstrated courage in his sexuality. The character’s popularity opened doors throughout the entertainment industry, with casting directors recognizing him from his distinctive performance.
When his “Santa Barbara” contract was not renewed in 1990, Marinelli found steady work across television and film. He described the following decade as “absolute bliss,” with studios actively trying to develop his own television series. His soap opera career continued with roles as bank robber Pauly Hardman on “Guiding Light” in 1993 and criminal Joseph Sorel on “General Hospital” from 1999 to 2001.
Throughout his career, Marinelli accumulated more than 50 film and television credits. His guest appearances spanned popular series including “ER,” “The King of Queens,” “NYPD Blue,” “The West Wing,” “The Practice,” “House,” “Castle,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Parenthood,” “Ray Donovan,” and “The Offer.”
Film work included a notable role in Alexander Payne’s acclaimed 2004 movie “Sideways,” where he was credited as Frass Canyon Pourer. Many years after collaborating with Marinelli in film school, Payne remembered him not only as a truly gifted artist but also as a genuinely wonderful person with an incredibly generous spirit.
Most recently, Marinelli portrayed director Donny Spagnoli on Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show” for 22 episodes across the series’ first three seasons from 2019 to 2023. His work on the Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon-led series earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for best dramatic ensemble in 2022.
Mark Duplass, who plays executive producer Chip Black on “The Morning Show,” expressed his admiration for Marinelli’s character and values. Though they did not work extensively together, Duplass indicated they were spiritually aligned in many ways and that he truly loved what Marinelli represented.
Oscar-winning musician Finneas, who was friends with Marinelli’s son David during childhood, credited the actor with providing countless great stories, thoughtful questions, and both small and large life lessons. Even during periods when Finneas did not fully understand himself, he noted that Marinelli always seemed to comprehend and guide him.
Leigh J. McCloskey, Marinelli’s “Santa Barbara” co-star and longtime friend, described him as a great acting partner, teacher, friend, and excellent storyteller. McCloskey indicated that Marinelli revealed the human spirit beautifully through laughter and depth in many different ways.
Marinelli is survived by his wife Jean, who has performed as a French horn player at the Hollywood Bowl and for the FX series “Better Things,” and their two sons, Vincent and David. Vincent works as a film editor and writer, while David is a musician and songwriter.
