Popular Veteran Actor Dies After Battling Stomach Cancer

Joe Marinelli, the popular American actor known for his roles in The Morning Show and several other television series, has died.

He passed away last Sunday at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with throat and stomach cancer.

His wife of nearly 34 years, musician Jean Marinelli, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that he passed away on Sunday at their home in Burbank, California, following a battle with stomach cancer. She added that the couple never fought during their long marriage.

Born on January 21, 1957, in Meriden, Connecticut, Marinelli moved to Southern California as a child.

He honed his craft at Loyola Marymount University and later at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before launching his acting career in the 1980s.

Initially working as a carpenter while performing in local theater, he soon broke into television with guest roles on series like Cagney & Lacey, Hill Street Blues, and L.A. Law.

Marinelli gained a following due to his role as Bunny Tagliatti on Santa Barbara (1988–1990), which earned him a Soap Opera Digest Award.

Marinelli later appeared as Pauly Hardman in Guiding Light (1993) and as Joseph Sorel in General Hospital (1999–2001).

With over 50 credits, Marinelli’s career extended into primetime, including roles on ER, The West Wing, and Desperate Housewives, as well as regular appearances as Donny Spagnoli on Apple TV+’s The Morning Show from 2019 to 2023.

His film work included parts in Alexander Payne’s Sideways and The Assassination of Richard Nixon, both in 2004.