Renowned actor John Capodice has passed away at the age of 83.
With a career spanning several decades, Capodice graced over 150 films and TV series, notably featuring in General Hospital and sharing the screen with Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura. He passed away on Monday, leaving behind his wife Jane and daughters Tessa De Pierro and Cassandra Hansen.
The cause of death is yet to be disclosed.
Capodice’s breakthrough came in 1978 when he secured a role in the popular daytime drama Ryan’s Hope. His career took off further in 1994 with a recurring role in General Hospital, leading to appearances in top US sitcoms such as Will and Grace, Seinfeld, and Law and Order.
Before his demise, Capodice was involved in projects like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem in 2023, where he played a cab driver, and the 2024 series Conversations with Mobster as Big John. He also lent his voice to various video game franchises and short films, reports the Mirror.
Perhaps his most memorable role was Sgt. Aguado in the 1994 film Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. In this comedy, Aguado is often the butt of Ace’s jokes, despite his attempts to ridicule Ace.
In the film, Aguado is often the butt of jokes from Ace, played by Jim Carey, despite his attempts to ridicule Ace. The movie, which also starred Courteney Cox from Friends, Tone Loc, Sean Young, and thenMiami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, was a commercial success, grossing $107.2 million worldwide against a budget of $15million, despite critical disapproval.
The film catapulted comedian Jim into the limelight and ignited his cinematic journey. Its phenomenal success led to a slew of franchises and spin-offs, including the sequel Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, an animated TV series, and a standalone TV sequel, Ace Ventura Jr: Pet Detective.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late actor, as the funeral home where he is said to have died described him as a “devoted husband, father and grandfather”.
Fans also rushed to pay their respects, as one said: “Character actor John Capodice, known for roles in General Hospital, Ace Ventura died Monday, a listing on New Jersey’s Pizzi Funeral Home website, reveals. He was 83. He’s just a great guy! RIP.”
Another added: “Sad news! John Capodice, who appeared on #GeneralHospital has died.” One fan who knew John posted, “Rest in Peace, John Capodice. @GeneralHospital fans will remember him as Lois’ dad, Carmine Cerullo, but I’ll remember the years when he lived near me, doted on his grandchildren, and loved to eat out at local restaurants.”