The entertainment world mourns the recent losses of two beloved actors, John Capodice and Angus Maclnnes, who each left behind legacies marked by memorable performances and deep connections with fans.
John Capodice, famed for his versatile roles across over 100 film and television projects, passed away on December 30, 2023, at the age of 83. According to his obituary, shared by Pizzi Funeral Home, Capodice is survived by his wife Jane, his daughters Tessa De Pierro and Cassandra Hansen, as well as four grandchildren. Though the cause of death has not been disclosed, Capodice's family reflected on his life, stating, “He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him.”
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 11, 1941, Capodice served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1964 to 1966. His acting career began post-service, with his breakout role as Carmine Cerullo on the soap opera General Hospital. Capodice left his mark on television with guest appearances on iconic shows such as Seinfeld, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The West Wing, and many more. His IMDb page lists his first appearance on-screen from 1978 onwards, establishing him as a familiar face across various genres.
Angus Maclnnes, another actor known for his notable portrayal of Jon "Dutch" Vander, the Y-wing fighter gold leader, in the Star Wars franchise, died just days earlier, on December 23, 2023, at the age of 77. His family confirmed his passing, indicating he died "surrounded by friends and family." They remarked on his cherished fan interactions, stating, “He loved meeting you at conventions, hearing your stories, and sharing in your passion for the saga.”
Maclnnes, originally from Canada, became part of cinematic history with his role as Dutch, who defected from the Empire to join the Rebellion during the epic struggle against Darth Vader’s forces. His character remarkably became one of the first casualties during the Death Star's assault, yet Maclnnes reprised this role through archival footage for the 2016 franchise reboot.
Beyond his involvement with Star Wars, Maclnnes enjoyed varied success on-screen, appearing alongside Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips and portraying significant roles in films like Hellboy and Judge Dredd. His talents transcended acting; he opened Mamma's pizza restaurant in Edinburgh, Scotland, during his hiatus from show business, illustrating his multifaceted interests.
Maclnnes's family paid heartfelt tribute to him, saying, “Angus was more than an actor—he was kind, thoughtful, and generous, bringing warmth and humor to the lives of everyone who knew him.” His family expressed gratitude for the love from fans, noting, “He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fellow actors but also by his fans around the world.”
Both Capodice and Maclnnes will be remembered not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their personal warmth and vibrant spirits. They contributed greatly to the industry and left behind loving families and devoted fans who will forever hold their memories dear. A celebration of Capodice's life is scheduled for January 12, 2024, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church in Sparkill, New York, honoring his legacy and the impact he made during his extensive career.