Joe Marinelli leaves behind an impressive TV legacy spanning soap operas to streaming shows.
Table of Contents
Beloved actor Joe Marinelli, known for his memorable roles on soap operas, has left us at the age of 68.
The talented performer died June 22 in Burbank after battling colon cancer.
Joe Marinelli From Mobster to Morning Show
Do you remember the cross-dressing mobster Bunny Taglietti from “Santa Barbara”? That was Marinelli’s best performance!
His knack for bringing unique characters to life landed him work everywhere from “Guiding Light” to “General Hospital.”
Most recently, he appeared on Apple’s “The Morning Show,” bringing him to a new generation of viewers.
Friends remember his big heart
“We were soulmates,” said fellow cast member Mark Duplass, who felt a deep connection to Marinelli even in a short time.
Director Alexander Penn said it beautifully: Marinelli was not just an “extraordinary artist,” but he had a heart as big as the ocean.”
How special it feels when the bigwigs of Hollywood say that about you!
Connecticut kid turned successful
Born in 1957, little Joe moved west at the tender age of 4.
After attending schools in LA and Nevada, he studied acting at Loyola Marymount and then trained at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. What dedication!
Carpenter turned character actor
Like many struggling actors, Marinelli used to work with his hands between auditions.
His big break came in 1984 with roles on shows like “Cagney & Lacey.”
His soap career began when “L.A. Law” connected him with producer Jill Farren Phelps.
Beyond soaps
After his soap opera days, Marinell never stopped working. With over 50 credits, he’s appeared everywhere from “ER” to “Ray Donovan.”
You may not always remember his name, but you’ll definitely recognize his face!
Family First
After spending 34 years with his wife Jean, Marinelli leaves behind her and their sons Vincent and David.
Family friends remember Finneas as someone who had a knack for telling stories and asking thoughtful questions, even when he was just a teenager.
We haven’t just lost a talented actor—we’ve lost a man who genuinely cared about others.