Joe Marinelli, a well-known American actor celebrated for his roles in popular television series such as General Hospital, Santa Barbara, and The Morning Show, has died at the age of 68. Marinelli passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Burbank, California, after a prolonged battle with throat and stomach cancer, his wife Jean Marinelli confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
Marinelli’s career spanned nearly four decades, during which he appeared in over 50 TV and film projects. He gained acclaim for his portrayal of Bunny Tagliatti, a cross-dressing mobster on Santa Barbara from 1988 to 1990, and as Joseph Sorel on General Hospital between 1999 and 2001. More recently, he was known for his role as Donny Spagnoli, the director on the Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, appearing across its first three seasons and earning a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination alongside the cast.
His colleagues and fans remember him as a generous performer and a warm, positive presence. Actor Mark Duplass, who worked with Marinelli on The Morning Show, described him as “a beautiful human” and a “wide-eyed positivist,” expressing deep sorrow over his passing.
Marinelli is survived by his wife Jean and their two sons, Vincent and David, who work as a film editor and music producer, respectively. Tributes continue to pour in, celebrating his talent, kindness, and the lasting impact he made on the entertainment industry.
Joe Marinelli’s death marks the loss of a versatile and beloved actor whose work touched many across television and film.
