Remembering Joe Marinelli: A Fearless Talent With a Heart as Big as the Ocean
It’s with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Joe Marinelli, a truly unforgettable actor who brought soul, courage, and undeniable charm to every role he played. He died at the age of 68 after a brave battle with stomach cancer. For those of us who remember him as the fearless and flamboyant Bunny Tagliatti on Santa Barbara , this is a particularly emotional goodbye.
Joe wasn’t just another name in the long list of daytime television actors — he was a presence. From 1988 to 1990, he lit up the screen as Bunny, a cross-dressing mobster who owned a nightclub called Bunny’s Lair and stirred up drama with Gina DeMott Capwell and Mason Capwell. His portrayal wasn’t just entertaining — it was ahead of its time. He gave depth, dignity, and a strong moral backbone to a character that could’ve easily become a caricature. In fact, Joe once said that Bunny allowed him to show his humor, creativity, and sensitivity. He even recalled how a mysterious voice once whispered in his ear during makeup, “You must be very comfortable in your sexuality.” That moment stuck with him — and honestly, it speaks volumes about the fearless honesty he brought to his work.
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Beyond Santa Barbara , Joe's resume was rich with characters on shows like Guiding Light , General Hospital , and more recently, The Morning Show on Apple TV+, where he played director Donny Spagnoli. Co-star Mark Duplass remembered Joe as someone who “stood for something” — a spiritually aligned soul, even if they didn’t spend a ton of time together. Director Alexander Payne, who cast him in Sideways , described him as “a uniquely magnificent human being with a heart as big as the ocean.”
Joe’s story isn’t just about roles. He started out working as a carpenter before landing his big break. He studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and kept honing his craft back in L.A., guided by mentors like Jean Muir and Michael Shurtleff. His journey from backstage to spotlight is a testament to passion and persistence. And according to his wife of nearly 34 years, Jean — a professional musician herself — they never even had a fight. That says so much about the kind of love and loyalty Joe embodied.
He leaves behind two sons, Vincent and David, both creatives in their own right. Finneas, the Oscar-winning composer and a friend of Joe’s son David, reflected on how Joe’s wisdom, storytelling, and warm spirit made a lasting impact on him as a teen — and, honestly, on everyone who crossed paths with him.
Joe Marinelli wasn’t just a talented actor. He was a man of humor, empathy, curiosity, and boldness — both onscreen and off. His performances will be remembered, his characters cherished, but most of all, his kindness and authenticity will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Rest in peace, Joe. You made this world — and this industry — just a little bit brighter.
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