Wed Jul 02 19:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Joe Marinelli, a veteran character actor best known for his role as cross-dressing mobster Bunny Tagliatti on the soap opera *Santa Barbara*, has passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with stomach cancer. Marinelli also had recurring roles on *Guiding Light*, *General Hospital*, and *The Morning Show*, along with guest appearances on numerous other TV series and films. Colleagues like Mark Duplass and Alexander Payne have shared tributes highlighting his talent and character.

**News Article:**

**Joe Marinelli, ‘Santa Barbara’s’ Bunny Tagliatti and ‘The Morning Show’ Actor, Dies at 68**

Burbank, CA – Joe Marinelli, the character actor celebrated for his memorable portrayal of the cross-dressing mobster Bunny Tagliatti on the NBC soap opera *Santa Barbara*, has died at the age of 68. Marinelli passed away on Sunday in Burbank after a battle with stomach cancer, as confirmed by his wife, musician Jean Marinelli.

Marinelli, who brought a unique blend of humor and heart to his roles, garnered widespread recognition for his performance as Bunny Tagliatti from 1988-1990. He further solidified his presence in daytime television with roles as Pauly Hardman on *Guiding Light* and Joseph Sorel on *General Hospital*. Most recently, Marinelli appeared as UBA director Donny Spagnoli on the first three seasons of Apple TV+’s *The Morning Show*.

“I really loved him and what he stood for,” said Mark Duplass, who plays Chip Black on *The Morning Show*. “We didn’t spend 10,000 hours together, but we were spiritually aligned in many ways.”

Beyond his soap opera success, Marinelli boasted a diverse career that included appearances in films like *Sideways* and *One Last Ride*, as well as guest-starring roles on a wide range of television series, including *ER*, *The West Wing*, *House*, and *Desperate Housewives*.

Alexander Payne, director of *Sideways*, fondly remembered Marinelli: “The great Joe Marinelli acted in my very first movie at film school 40 years ago and again in Sideways. Aside from being an extraordinary artist, he was a uniquely magnificent human being with a heart as big as the ocean.”

Marinelli is survived by his wife, Jean Marinelli, and his sons, Vincent and David.

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