The entertainment community is mourning the unexpected death of actor Spencer Lofranco, best known for his role in the 2018 crime biopic Gotti. Lofranco died on Tuesday at just 33 years old, his brother Santino Lofranco confirmed in an emotional tribute shared on Instagram per Page Six.
Santino honored his younger brother with a heartfelt message posted Thursday, writing, “To the legend @roccowinning. My brother. You lived a life only some could dream of. You changed people’s lives, and now you are with God. I will always love you and miss you Bear. RIP. October 18, 1992 – November 18, 2025.”
He accompanied the tribute with a series of personal photos — childhood snapshots of the two brothers and images of Spencer as an adult, including one posing beside his black dog.
According to TMZ, which first broke the news, authorities in British Columbia, Canada, are currently examining the circumstances surrounding Lofranco’s death. A cause of death has not yet been released, and no further details have been made public.
Born in Canada, Spencer Lofranco began pursuing acting as a teenager after studying at the New York Film Academy. His early breakout roles quickly put him on Hollywood’s radar. Over his career, he appeared in seven films, including At Middleton, Jamesy Boy, Unbroken and King Cobra.
But it was his portrayal of John Gotti Jr. in Gotti that marked his most notable performance. In the 2018 Kevin Connolly–directed film, Lofranco starred alongside John Travolta, who played mob boss John Gotti Sr., and Kelly Preston, who appeared as Victoria DiGiorgio Gotti.
Despite working alongside major Hollywood names, Lofranco faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2018, he revealed that he was homeless, living with his dog along the Venice Beach boardwalk.
In a YouTube video posted that June, the actor shared a candid “pizza mukbang,” telling viewers he was sleeping outdoors.
While he acknowledged that spending the night near the ocean “was nice,” he admitted the reality was far less romantic. “There’s no privacy… it’s like I live in a glass house,” Lofranco explained, describing how exposed he felt as people constantly passed by.
His honesty about his situation struck a chord with many fans, who admired the vulnerability behind his words and his resilience in navigating such difficult circumstances.
News of Lofranco’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues. Though his acting career was brief, his performances, especially his portrayal of Gotti Jr., left a lasting impact. His family remembers him not only as an artist, but as someone who deeply affected the lives of those around him.
As investigations continue in Canada, loved ones are left mourning a life cut tragically short. Spencer Lofranco’s legacy now lives on through his work, his artistry, and the memories cherished by those closest to him.