John Capodice, a seasoned character actor known for his roles in numerous films and television shows, including “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and “General Hospital,” passed away on December 30, 2024, in Northvale, New Jersey. He was 83 years old.
Capodice was born on December 25, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea between 1964 and 1966, he moved to Hollywood. His acting journey began with Off-Broadway productions in New York City in the late 1970s. He made his television debut in the 1978 soap opera “Ryan’s Hope”, and his first film role was in Rush It in 1982, which kicked off his extensive film career.
Capodice made his mark as a dependable character actor during the 1980s. He secured parts in popular television series such as “Spenser: For Hire,” “The Equalizer,” and “Moonlighting.” His unique on-screen presence and adaptability led to roles in significant films like Oliver Stone’s “Wall Street” (1987) with Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen and “The Secret of My Success” (1987) featuring Michael J. Fox.
Capodice’s career grew in the early 1990s when he took on notable roles in “Q” and “Family Business.” This period marked a high point in his career. He earned wide recognition as Officer Aguado in “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” (1994) with Jim Carrey, where his stone-faced performance contrasted effectively with Carrey’s energetic antics. The same year, he played Carmine Cerullo in a six-episode stint on “General Hospital,” further enhancing his film and television portfolio.
Capodice continued his successful film career with parts in major movies, including Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” (1991) with Val Kilmer, “Honeymoon in Vegas” (1992) featuring Nicolas Cage, “Speed” (1994) with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, and Roland Emmerich’s “Independence Day” (1996). His television career also thrived with roles in “Law & Order,” where he portrayed multiple characters in different episodes, showcasing his acting versatility.
Capodice had a memorable role as a laundromat owner in a “Seinfeld” episode titled “The Money.” His performances in “Will & Grace” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” further highlighted his ability to transition smoothly between comedic and dramatic roles. He also featured in “The West Wing” and had a recurring role in “Murphy Brown.”
Capodice remained active in the 2000s, appearing in “See No Evil, Hear No Evil” and “Enemy of the State” alongside Will Smith. He had a recurring role on “NYPD Blue,” where he portrayed different characters across multiple seasons, each with a unique personality. His performance in “Knots Landing” also demonstrated his talent for creating memorable characters within a short screen time.
In recent times, Capodice continued to be active in the industry, with roles in the Emmy Award-winning “Wizards of Waverly Place” and voice acting as a cab driver in the 2023 animated film “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” His final role was Big John in the 2024 series “Conversations with Mobster,” wrapping up a career that spanned nearly five decades.
Capodice’s legacy lives on through a close-knit family circle, including his wife, Jane Crawley Capodice, his two daughters, Tessa De Pierro and Cassandra Hansen, and a quartet of beloved grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters, Kathy Magluilo and Patti Lindsay, who carry on his family’s story.