Joe Spinell was a prolific character actor who appeared in many films and stage productions in the 1970s and 1980s. He is best known for his roles as the hitman Willi Cicci in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, the loan shark Gazzo in Rocky and Rocky II, and the serial killer Frank Zito in Maniac. He also worked with directors such as Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, William Friedkin, and Brian De Palma. However, his promising career was cut short by his untimely death on January 13, 1989, at the age of 52. What was the cause of his death? And what were the circumstances surrounding it? In this article, we will explore the mystery behind Joe Spinell’s demise and the factors that may have contributed to it.
Contents
Early Life and Health Problems
Joe Spinell was born Joseph Spagnuolo on October 28, 1936, in Manhattan, New York, to Italian immigrant parents. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a poor neighborhood. His father, Pelegrino Spagnuolo, died from liver and kidney disease when Joe was 14 years old. His mother, Filomena Spagnuolo, was an actress who played bit parts in several movies, some of them alongside her son
Spinell was born with hemophilia, a rare blood disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly. This made him prone to bleeding excessively from even minor injuries or surgeries. He also suffered from chronic asthma for most of his life, which affected his breathing and stamina
Spinell developed a passion for acting at a young age and participated in various stage plays on and off Broadway. He also held down various jobs to make ends meet, such as a taxi driver, a post office clerk, and a liquor store clerk. He made his film debut in 1972 with a small role as a hitman in The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Career Success and Personal Struggles
Spinell’s performance in The Godfather impressed Coppola, who asked him to reprise his role as Willi Cicci in The Godfather Part II. He also landed roles in other acclaimed films such as Taxi Driver, Sorcerer, Rocky, Rocky II, Cruising, and Nighthawks. He became a familiar face in Hollywood as a character actor who often played villains or tough guys. He also co-wrote and starred in Maniac, a controversial horror film about a deranged killer who scalps women and dresses up mannequins with their hair. The film was a cult hit and earned him a cult following among horror fan
However, despite his professional success, Spinell had many personal problems that plagued him throughout his life. He was known to abuse drugs and alcohol intermittently, especially during periods of unemployment or depression. He also had a turbulent love life and was married twice. His first wife was Jean Jennings, a pornographic actress whom he married in 1977 and divorced in 1979. His second wife was model Carol Lynley, whom he married in 1980 and separated from in 1984. He also had a daughter named Sage Stallone with actress Sasha Czack, who later married Sylvester Stallone
Spinell also suffered from emotional distress after the death of his mother in 1987, whom he was very close to. He became more isolated and depressed and neglected his health and hygiene. He gained weight and lost teeth due to poor dental care. He also had trouble finding work due to his deteriorating appearance and reputation. He had plans to make a sequel to Maniac with director Buddy Giovinazzo, but he had difficulty securing financing for the project
Mysterious Death
On January 13, 1989, Spinell was found dead in his apartment in Sunnyside, Queens, New York. His body was discovered by his friend Alex Rocco, who had gone to check on him after not hearing from him for several days. Rocco found Spinell lying on his couch with blood stains on his shirt and around his mouth. There were no signs of foul play or suicide
The exact cause of Spinell’s death remains unclear to this day. The official autopsy report stated that he died of natural causes due to myocardial infarction (heart attack). However, some sources claim that he may have died from complications related to his hemophilia or asthma. Some speculate that he may have bled to death from a cut or a nosebleed that he did not notice or treat properly. Others suggest that he may have suffocated from an asthma attack or choked on his own blood
Spinell’s death was a shock and a loss to his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented and versatile actor who could play any role. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York, next to his mother. His grave is marked with a simple stone that reads “Joe Spinell, Actor”
Conclusion
Joe Spinell was a remarkable actor who left behind a legacy of memorable performances in films and stage plays. He was also a troubled man who struggled with various health and personal issues that may have contributed to his premature death. His cause of death remains a mystery that has sparked many theories and debates among his admirers and critics. Whatever the truth may be, Joe Spinell’s life and death are a testament to the highs and lows of the Hollywood dream.
