By ADAM S. LEVY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 23:51 BST, 24 June 2025 | Updated: 00:50 BST, 25 June 2025

Veteran TV actor Joe Marinelli, best known for his parts on shows including General Hospital, Santa Barbara and The Morning Show, has died at the age of 68.

Marinelli’s death was confirmed by his friend, artist Leigh J. McCloskey, who said you could not find a ‘a sweeter man or a dearer friend’ than the late entertainer.

‘Joe was a champion,’ McCloskey said. ‘He was a great acting partner, teacher, philosophical friend, passionate believer in people.

He added the late actor was ‘a storyteller extraordinaire that with laughter and depth revealed the human spirit so beautifully and in so many different ways.’

Marinelli portrayed the character Bunny Tagliatti, a cross dressing crime boss, on 171 episodes of the soap Santa Barbara between 1988 and 1990. 

Marinelli also portrayed the character Joseph Sorel from 1999-2001 on General Hospital. 

Veteran TV actor Joe Marinelli, best known for his parts on shows including General Hospital, Santa Barbara and The Morning Show, has died at the age of 68. Pictured in LA in 2022

Veteran TV actor Joe Marinelli, best known for his parts on shows including General Hospital, Santa Barbara and The Morning Show, has died at the age of 68. Pictured in LA in 2022 

As a prolific character actor, Marinelli also racked up credits on dozens of shows throughout the decades. Pictured in the 1980s

As a prolific character actor, Marinelli also racked up credits on dozens of shows throughout the decades. Pictured in the 1980s

Marinelli most recently played the role of director Donny Spagnoli opposite Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon on 22 episodes of The Morning Show on Apple+.

As a prolific character actor, Marinelli amassed credits on dozens of shows throughout the decades.

They included 1980s TV mainstays such as L.A. Law, Hill Street Blues, and Cagney & Lacey.

In the 1990s, he racked up credits on shows such as Hunter, ER and The King of Queens.

In recent years, Marinelli had been seen on TV projects such as Reboot; The Offer; Just Roll with It; and Hollywood. 

Other credits Marinelli piled up on the small screen included stints on House, The West Wing, NYPD Blue and The Practice. 

McCloskey, in his online memorial, said that Marinelli had ‘a beautiful, incredibly talented family that reflects his love of music and art and with his amazing wife Jean, together they always radiated generous and noble hearts.’

He added: ‘It saddens me greatly to say goodbye to my old friend and his belief in the goodness, and even the possible greatness of the human adventure. I’m glad I walked this earth with you Joe.’ 

Marinelli pictured at the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards at Barker Hangar on February 27, 2022 in Santa Monica, California

Marinelli pictured at the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards at Barker Hangar on February 27, 2022 in Santa Monica, California 

Marinelli most recently played the role of director Donny Spagnoli opposite Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon on 22 episodes of The Morning Show on Apple+

Marinelli most recently played the role of director Donny Spagnoli opposite Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon on 22 episodes of The Morning Show on Apple+ 

McCloskey wrapped up the emotional statement in saying, ‘Godspeed old friend, may your spirit soar beyond the stars and reacquaint you with the greater wonder from which you came.

‘You shared your de-light with us, and now return home. We’ll see you on the other side of forever, in light and with your legacy in our hearts.’ 

The actor is survived by wife Jean Marinelli, who he had been married to for nearly 34 years, as they were set to celebrate their wedding anniversary June 29, iMDb reported.

They are parents to two sons, Vincent Marinelli and David George Marinelli.

:
General Hospital and Guiding Light soap star Joe Marinelli dead at 68



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