Musician Jean Marinelli has confirmed the heartbreaking loss of her husband, veteran actor Joe Marinelli, who passed away on June 22 in Burbank, California, after a battle with stomach cancer. The couple, who shared a marriage spanning 34 years, built a quiet but deeply loving life together. In her statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Jean described their bond as peaceful and strong, saying they never fought—a testament to the deep understanding they shared, even through his illness.
Joe Marinelli carved out a steady and enduring career in Hollywood, beginning in the mid-1980s. His early appearance in Cagney & Lacey in 1984 marked the start of a decades-long journey through television, with roles in several beloved and long-running shows. Fans of Santa Barbara remember him best as Bunny Tagliatti, a performance that cemented his place in daytime television history. He also had recurring roles on General Hospital as Joseph Sorel, and more recently, he portrayed Donny Spagnoli in The Morning Show, bringing gravitas and heart to the role over a span of four years.
Though widely respected for his on-screen talent, Marinelli’s life off-camera was marked by family, music, and quiet strength. He is survived by Jean, a French hornist, and their two sons: Vincent, a film editor, and David, a music producer—both following creative paths that reflect their parents’ artistic roots. The Marinelli family has chosen to keep the more intimate details of Joe’s final days private, honoring his memory with quiet dignity.
Tributes have begun to pour in, particularly from those who worked closely with him. Actor Leigh McCloskey, a co-star from Santa Barbara, shared a moving tribute on Facebook, describing Joe as “a sweeter man or a dearer friend” and commending his unbreakable spirit in the face of illness. He remembered Joe’s warmth and professionalism on set, qualities that clearly extended into all aspects of his life.
Joe Marinelli’s passing marks the end of a humble, heartfelt chapter in the entertainment world—one shaped not by headlines but by meaningful work, loyal relationships, and unwavering grace through adversity.
