Canadian actor Spencer Lofranco, known for roles in Jamesy Boy and Gotti, has died at the age of 33.
Lofranco’s brother Santino paid tribute on Instagram, revealing he died on Tuesday November 18.
Santino remembered him as a ‘legend’ who ‘changed people’s lives’.
‘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,’ he wrote, sharing photos of the actor from childhood.
His death is being investigated in British Columbia, TMZ reports. A cause of death is yet to be determined.
Lofranco described himself as a funny teenager, always cracking jokes and trying to be the ‘centre of attention’, so a career in acting made sense for him.
While his dad – lawyer Rocco Lofranco – wanted him to become a lawyer or a hockey player, Lofranco went to summer acting classes then spent a year at New York Film Academy, which is when he got a break in Jamesy Boy.
In a 2014 interview, Lofrano reflected that he ‘understood’ the character of James Burns, a working class boy who spent his youth in and out of detention centres, who he portrayed in the indie film.
Over his career, Lofranco appeared in seven films including romantic comedy At Middleton (2013), Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken (2014), short film Home (2015), and Gotti (2018) in which he played John Travolta’s on-screen son.
He hasn’t starred in a film since.
Lofranco was born in Toronto, Ontario, on October 18, 1992, to his lawyer father and opera singer mum Amy Lofranco.
He recalled fondly times spent accompanying his mother to auditions as a child, and previously credited his dad for ‘sort of saving’ him.
His parents divorced during his childhood, and he grew up in Thornhill, Ontario, alongside his older brother Santino.
Friends, family and fans have rushed to pay tribute and share their condolences on social media underneath the announcement post.
‘I am at a loss for words. I am so sorry for your loss 😔 Spencer was such a kind soul,’ marishaa.xo wrote on social media.
‘I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and heartbroken to hear this. Sending you and your family my sincere condolences and prayers for strength and comfort,’ said christinacamp88.
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