Hollywood is saying goodbye to a familiar face. Joe Marinelli, the veteran actor who brought life to countless soap and TV characters, passed away at 68, leaving behind a legacy admired by fans and colleagues alike. A Beloved Fixture on the Small Screen Joe Marinelli earned his place in TV history with standout roles on Santa Barbara, General Hospital, The West Wing, ER, and The King of Queens. Best known for his portrayal of mobster Bunny Tagliatti on Santa Barbara from 1988 to 1990, Marinelli’s charisma and talent earned him a Soap Opera Digest Award and the admiration of audiences nationwide. He amassed over 50 television and film credits, working across genres with versatility that made him a reliable character actor for decades. His film appearances included a memorable moment in the Oscar-winning film Sideways as the Frass Canyon Pourer, proving his talents extended far beyond daytime TV. An Actor’s Actor Remembered by Friends and Fans Those who knew Joe Marinelli personally say his performances were only matched by his depth as a human being. Leigh J. McCloskey, his co-star from Santa Barbara, honored him as “a great acting partner, teacher, and passionate believer in people.” Marinelli’s friendships off-screen were as sincere as the roles he portrayed on-screen. Joe Marinelli, ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Santa Barbara’ star, dead at 68 https://t.co/bweIzvqApQ pic.twitter.com/7MMNawl1we — New York Post (@nypost) June 25, 2025 Despite years of battling cancer, Marinelli remained resilient and spiritually vibrant, earning him even greater respect among his peers. His performances in the 2000s—particularly in The Morning Show, which earned him a SAG nomination—cemented his place as a lifelong contributor to the craft. A Lasting Legacy of Passion and Purpose Marinelli’s path began in Connecticut and took him to Loyola Marymount University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Trained in the classics, his performances always carried a sense of depth and sincerity. He never stopped working—his dedication to storytelling endured through illness and into the twilight of his career. General Hospital star Joe Marinelli dies after lengthy stomach cancer battlehttps://t.co/6Wz3CTgObj pic.twitter.com/gGSyol3ZeB — MirrorUSNews (@MirrorUSNews) June 25, 2025 His passing marks not only the loss of a veteran actor but of a passionate artist who believed in the goodness of people and the power of connection. Joe Marinelli’s legacy continues in the hearts of fans, the memories of colleagues, and the timeless stories he helped bring to life. Sources: Joe Marinelli, actor from ‘The Morning Show’ and ‘Santa Barbara,’ dead at 68 – NewsBreak Joe Marinelli, ‘General Hospital’ and ‘The Morning Show’ Actor, Dies at 68