Joe Spinell

Biography

Joe Spinell, born Joseph J. Spagnuolo, came into the world on 2nd Avenue in Manhattan's Little Italy, New York, to Italian immigrant parents and was the youngest of six siblings. His father, Pelegrino Spagnuolo (1892-1950), succumbed to liver and kidney ailments, while his mother, Filomena Spagnuolo (1903-1987), had a brief career as a bit-part actress, appearing in several films alongside her son. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, Spinell's family relocated to Woodside, Queens, shortly after his father's death, where he would spend much of his life. He dealt with hemophilia and chronic asthma throughout his years.

Due to his robust build and striking appearance, Spinell frequently found himself cast in roles portraying criminals, thugs, or corrupt law enforcement officials. He is best remembered for his performances as mafioso Willi Cicci in both The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, and as the loan shark Tony Gazzo in Rocky and its sequel. In addition to his character actor status, Spinell co-wrote and starred as a serial killer in the 1980 film Maniac.

Joe Spinell passed away in his apartment on January 13, 1989, at the age of 52, with the exact cause of death still debated. Factors such as a heart attack linked to substance abuse, emotional grief from his mother's passing, complications from asthma, or bleeding due to hemophilia have all been suggested. Before his death, he had been working on a sequel to Maniac. He was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Queens, not far from his residence. Spinell was also related to Steve Spagnuolo, the head coach of the St. Louis Rams, and was married to adult film actress Jean Jennings from February 1977 until their divorce in July 1979, with whom he had one daughter