The Canadian actor Spencer Lofranco, known for his roles in Unbroken and Gotti, has died at the age of 33.
The news was confirmed by Lofranco’s brother Santino on Instagram on Thursday (November 20), who wrote: “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.”
The cause of death has not been determined and his passing is currently under investigation in British Columbia, Canada.
Among Lofranco’s best-known roles was Harry Brooks in the 2014 war drama Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie. The film told the true story of Olympian Louis Zamperini (Jack O’Connell), who survived a plane crash and after weeks adrift at sea, was brutally imprisoned during the Second World War. Lofranco’s character was one of Zamperini’s crewmates on the plane.
Another major role – and Lofranco’s final screen appearance – came in 2018 biopic Gotti, in which John Travolta played New York City mobster John Gotti. Lofranco played John “Junior” Gotti, the son of the title character who took over the crime family while his father was in prison.
Lofranco was born on October 18, 1992 in Toronto and studied acting at the New York Film Academy. His big screen debut came in 2013’s indie comedy At Middleton, alongside Andy Garcia and Vera Farmiga, and his first lead role was as troubled teenager James Burns in the crime drama Jamesy Boy.
He also faced legal trouble in 2013 after his involvement in a hit-and-run that left a cyclist with a broken hip. He was sentenced to 50 days community service and spent two years on probation, paying $161,000 (£123,000) in restitution.
After leaving acting in 2018, he pursued a life as a street artist, relocating to Surrey, British Columbia in 2021.
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