American actor John Capodice, who is best known for his role in Ace Ventura alongside Jim Carrey, has died at the age of 83, leaving behind his wife and two daughters
Beloved actor John Capodice, known for his roles in over 150 films and TV series, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. The star, who famously appeared in General Hospital and alongside Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura, died on Monday.
The actor’s cause of death is yet to be announced. He leaves behind his wife Jane and two daughters, Tessa De Pierro and Cassandra Hansen, with the funeral home where he is said to have died describing him as a “devoted husband, father and grandfather” who will be “missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him”. His big break came in 1978 when he landed a role on the popular daytime drama Ryan’s Hope.
In 1994, he secured a recurring role in General Hospital and went on to feature in many leading US sitcoms including Will and Grace, Seinfield and Law and Order. He also made appearances in The West Wing, Six Feet Under and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation later in his career.
His final projects before his death included roles as a cab driver in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem in 2023 and Big John in the 2024 series Conversations with Mobster. Capodice also lent his voice to several video game franchises and short films.
He is perhaps best remembered for playing Sgt. Aguado in 1994’s Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, where he starred alongside Jim Carey, Courteney Cox, Tone Loc, Sean Young, and then–Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, reports the Mirror.
Despite being criticised by reviewers, the comedy was a hit at the box office, raking in $107.2 million worldwide on a budget of just $15million. The film catapulted comedian Jim into stardom and kick-started his movie career.
Following its massive success, several franchises and spin-offs were launched, including the sequel Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, an animated TV series, and a standalone TV sequel, Ace Ventura Jr: Pet Detective. In the same year that Ace Ventura was released, John also starred in Speed (1994), Independence Day (1996), and Enemy of the State (1998).
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the actor, with one writing: “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.”
Another fan wrote: “He was 83. He’s just a great guy! RIP.”