John Capodice, ‘Ace Ventura’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actor, Dies at 83

John Capodice, a character actor best known for roles in “Ace Ventura” and “General Hospital,” died on Monday. He was 83.

The news was confirmed on the website for Pizzi Funeral Home in New Jersey, although no cause of death was given.

Born in 1941 in Chicago, Ill., Capodice fought for the U.S. Army in Korea from 1964-1966 before moving into an acting career in the late 1970s.

His first role was on the ABC soap “Ryan’s Hope,” appearing in six episodes as Lloyd Lord. A lengthy array of TV guest star credits would follow, including “Seinfeld,” “CSI,” “Ellen,” “Another World,” “Knots Landing,” “Law & Order,” “Will & Grace,” “Spenser: For Hire,” “Kate & Allie,” “As the World Turns,” “Moonlighting,” “Murphy Brown,” “Melrose Place,” “Mad About You,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Six Feet Under,” “The West Wing” and “Murder, She Wrote.”

On “General Hospital,” Capodice played Carmine Cerullo from 1994-1996 in six episodes of the soap opera.

On the film side, Capodice appeared in the 1994 smash hit comedy “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” playing a police officer who is dismissive of Jim Carrey’s titular character. Other big-screen credits include “Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,” “Speed,” “Independence Day,” “Enemy of the State,” “The Doors,” “Family Business,” “Q” and “The Doors.” He also voiced a central character in the 2010 video game “Mafia II.”

The Pizzi Funeral Home said that “John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him.” He is survived by his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren.