'General Hospital' and 'The Morning Show' actor Joe Marinelli dies at 68 after battling cancer

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Joe Marinelli, beloved for his long-running roles in classic soap operas such as 'Santa Barbara' and 'General Hospital,' has died at the age of 68 following a private battle with stomach and throat cancer. His family and agent confirmed the news on Tuesday, June 25.

Marinelli passed away on Sunday, June 22. Most recently, he appeared as TV director Donny Spagnoli in Apple TV+’s 'The Morning Show,' acting alongside stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, Metro reported.

Iconic soap opera star remembered for wide-ranging roles

The Connecticut-born actor was best known for playing Bunny Tagliatti in 'Santa Barbara' for over 170 episodes. He also appeared in 'Guiding Light' in 1993 as bank robber Pauly Hardman and portrayed mobster Joseph Sorel in 'General Hospital.'

Marinelli’s wife, Jean Marinelli, confirmed his passing to The Hollywood Reporter, and his agent, Julie Smith, told CNN that the actor had been living with stomach and throat cancer for several years.

In his most recent role, Marinelli played Donny Spagnoli, the fictional director of 'The Morning Show,' where he worked alongside a star-studded cast that included Steve Carell, Julianna Margulies, Jon Hamm, and Billy Crudup.

Joe Marinelli's career spanned soaps, dramas, and Hollywood films

Outside of daytime television, Marinelli found success in both film and primetime TV. He appeared in Alexander Payne’s Oscar-winning film 'Sideways' (2004) and 'One Last Ride' the same year.

His television credits included memorable guest roles in 'The West Wing,' 'Lethal Weapon,' 'Desperate Housewives,' 'NYPD Blue,' 'Paper Dolls,' and 'LA Law.'

Marinelli studied acting at London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) before returning to the US, where he initially worked as a carpenter while auditioning. His big break came with roles in 'Cagney & Lacey' and eventually 'Santa Barbara,' thanks to producer Jill Farren Phelps.

Marinelli leaves behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, with over 50 television and film credits to his name.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jean Marinelli, and their two sons, Vincent and David.

Tributes pour in for Joe Marinelli’s legacy and spirit

Following Marinelli’s passing, many of his former colleagues paid tribute to his kindness, talent, and enduring legacy in the industry.

"A sweeter man or a dearer friend you could not find than Joe Marinelli," Marinelli's friend and Santa Barbara castmate Leigh J McCloskey wrote in a tribute on Facebook. He then referred to Marinelli as "a great acting partner, teacher, philosophical friend, passionate believer in people, and a storyteller extraordinaire that with laughter and depth revealed the human spirit so beautifully and in so many different ways."

Actor Mark Duplass, who plays executive producer Chip Black on the show, paid tribute to Marinelli on X, “We lost a great one. Joe Marinelli lived in rare air. Generous performer, beautiful human, wide-eyed positivist.”

“I got to know him shooting The Morning Show. We taught classes together. We talked about nothing and everything in between takes. We cut right to the important stuff on Day one of meeting. I will miss him dearly. And I will try to live my life a bit more like he lived his. We all should,” he added.