‘Seinfeld’ Actor Passes Away At 83

Actor John Capodice, best known for his supportive roles in the Jim Carrey film “Ace Ventura” and hit TV series “Seinfeld,” has died at 83.

News of Capodice’s passing was reported by the New York Post and revealed by New Jersey’s Pizzi Funeral Home, where an online obituary described the veteran actor as a “devoted husband, father and grandfather.” The tribute added that he will be “missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him.” No cause of death was listed.

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The Blauvelt, New York native was born on Christmas Day in 1941, though he didn’t begin his character acting career until the 1970s when he landed his first role in the ABC-TV soap opera Ryan’s Hope. In addition to his time on “Seinfeld,” Capodice’s reliable acting chops kept him busy with repeat appearances on “Spenser: For Hire,” “Kate & Allie,” “Murder She Wrote,” “Murphy Brown,” “Knots Landing,” “Hunter,” and “Law & Order.” Before moving to Los Angeles, Capodice served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966, including at least one tour in Korea.

At the height of Carrey’s comedy career, the 1994 box office hit “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” offered Capodice a major supporting role as Sargeant Aguado, a police officer dismissive of Carrey’s pet detective abilities. In the second season of “Seinfeld,” Capodice plays the owner of a laundromat whom Kramer tries to avenge when Jerry thinks he stole money from him.

‘Seinfeld’ and ‘Ace Ventura’ actor John Capodice dead at 83 https://t.co/2dIBDIXKWE pic.twitter.com/6R9g2GmeWE

— New York Post (@nypost) January 2, 2025

In the mid-’90s, Capodice made several appearances in the drama “General Hospital” between 1994 and 1996, playing the character Carmine Cerullo. He is also credited with sporadic appearances on “Boy Meets World,” “Ellen,” “CSI,” “Kate & Allie,” “Mad About You,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Blossom,” “Moonlighting,” “NYPD Blue,” “Angel” “Six Feet Under,” “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “Monk.” Films in his repertoire include “The Doors,” “Honeymoon in Vegas” and “Independence Day.”

Fans offered their tributes to Capodice on social media. One fan wrote on X, “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.” A second fan wrote, “He’s just a great guy! RIP,” while a third simply added, “RIP John Capodice.”

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Speaking with Networking Magazine shortly before his death, Capodice credited his grit and determination with helping him succeed in a crowded field where success is always a longshot. “One doesn’t choose acting; it chooses you. I wish that I could be more specific, but after half a century of living this life, I’m still pursuing it,” he said. “All my friends thought I was nuts, but it didn’t stop me. On the contrary, my mother encouraged me the most in spite of not knowing much about the acting profession. Never ever accept no. Remember, it’s not about rejection. The casting people are going a different way, and you’ll get the next one.”

Capodice is survived by his wife Jane, daughters Tessa De Pierro and Cassandra Hansen, grandchildren David, Jake, Frankie and Giuliana, and sisters Kathy and Patti. In lieu of flowers, Capodice’s family asked that his fans send donations to the veterans charity Rockland Homes for Heroes.

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