Character actor John Capodice, who appeared in more than 100 roles film and television roles, including General Hospital and Seinfeld, died Monday at age 83. A cause of death has not been released for the man whose obituary called him a "devoted husband, father and grandfather."
The sad news was shared on the website of Pizzi Funeral Home, the New Jersey establishment arranging his farewell. The obituary mentioned that Capodice will be "missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him."
Born on Christmas Day, 1941, Capodice served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966. He enjoyed a prolific acting career on television and in films, including a role in the wildly successful 1994 film Ace Ventura: Pet Detective starring Jim Carrey.
Seinfeld fans are indeed heartbroken as one of his most notable roles was as laundromat owner Vic in season two, episode seven. The episode, titled "The Revenge," features Kramer and Jerry getting revenge on Capodice's character by putting cement in a washing machine because they think he stole money.
Capodice began acting in the 1970s with his first television role as Lloyd Lord on Ryan's Hope in 1978. He would also notch a film credit that year in Rush It.
The Chicago native then landed a recurring role as Carmine Cerullo on General Hospital and appeared in six episodes of the soap opera. Over the years, he would appear in minor roles on some of the most popular shows on television.
Acting credits include classics like Law & Order, Will & Grace, Ellen, Boy Meets World, Monk, The West Wing, Mad About You, Knot's Landing, Another World, Mad About You, and Murder, She Wrote. Capodice also appeared in iconic commercials in the 1980s, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Cast as Fred, a pizzeria worker, Capodice was convincingly befuddled as children order a pizza with extra cheese but without sauce or a crust. The punchline comes when Capodice calls to the back for a "cheese with nuttin'" and finally offers a box of Polly-O String Cheese.
In another commercial for Dimetapp cold medicine, Capodice plays a diner patron who offers advice on how to treat a cold. His expressive face and every-man affect were just right for the role, as usual.
Capodice left behind his wife, Jane, and adult daughters, Tessa De Pierro and Cassandra Hansen. He is also survived by two sisters and his grandchildren, Giuliana, Jake, David, and Frankie.
Fans shared their favorite memories of Capodice on social media. "He’s just a great guy! RIP," one user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote, including a crying emoji.
"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 user wrote.
Family, friends, and fans will get to say their farewells at Capodice's viewing on Jan. 11 at the funeral home that published his obituary. A funeral Mass will be said the next day at his parish in New York, followed by his interment.
As a great character actor, Capodice was a face many recognized, but few could name. However, this great icon and his performances will live on through the magic of television and film.
