John Capoise, the talented actor best known for his iconic role as Carmine Chulo on General Hospital from 1994 to
1996, passed away at the age of 83 on December 30th, 2024. His death has cast a shadow of sorrow over his family,
colleagues, and fans worldwide. Born on December 25th, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, Capoise dedicated his life to the
arts, amassing a remarkable body of work with over 150 memorable roles across theater, television, and film.
Capoise’s portrayal of Carmine Chulo was one of his standout performances, earning him an enduring affection from fans of the show. However, his career extended far beyond this role. He appeared in notable films such as Wall Street, The Doors, Speed, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Independence Day, and Honeymoon in Vegas, while also gracing many popular television shows, including Law and Order, Seinfeld, Murder She Wrote, CSI, Will and Grace, Mad About You, and Six Feet Under.
Highly regarded for his extraordinary ability to bring diverse characters to life, Capoise was beloved for the sincerity and dedication he infused into every role. In addition to his extensive acting career, Capoise served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1964 to 1966, an experience that instilled within him a profound sense of duty and patriotism admired by friends and colleagues alike.
A cherished member of the Blauvelt Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge 2176, Capoise also remained committed to his cultural heritage and community involvement. Family was at the heart of his life; he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind a wife, a daughter, and four grandchildren, who are immensely proud of him. Capoise consistently spoke of his family, considering them his greatest source of joy and motivation.
The news of his passing sent shockwaves throughout the artistic community, eliciting heartfelt tributes that celebrated not only his contributions to the entertainment industry but also his values of love, honor, and loyalty. Co-stars from General Hospital were quick to express their deepest condolences, emphasizing how Capoise left an indelible mark on the fabric of the show and its community. They remembered him as a man with a big heart, whose talent and kindness impacted everyone around him.
As a testament to his legacy, General Hospital is planning a special episode to honor John Capoise and his beloved character, Carmine Chulo. Set to celebrate the Chero family, which became integral to the show’s storyline in the 1990s, the episode may feature the return of key characters such as Lois Chero, portrayed by Rena Sofer, and Brooklyn Quartermaine, played by Amanda Setton. These characters will not only help connect viewers with the show’s past but also open new storylines for the future.
The episode will likely focus on Lois and Brooklyn as they organize a memorial for Carmine, sharing cherished memories and lessons learned from him. Flashback scenes are expected to weave together humorous, heartfelt, and sometimes turbulent moments, encapsulating the essence of Carmine and the legacy he left behind. Lois’s strong yet loving disposition may highlight the family values of loyalty and resilience, while Brooklyn could explore how Carmine’s influence continues to shape her life today.
Furthermore, the involvement of other characters from Port Charles, such as Sonny Corinthos or Ned Quartermaine, will deepen the narrative, allowing for reflections on Carmine’s impact within his family and the broader community. This special episode promises to be a heartfelt tribute to John Capoise, celebrating both his individual contributions and the core values that define General Hospital: family, loyalty, and the strength to overcome challenges.
As fans wait for this tribute episode, they can take solace in knowing that John Capoise’s legacy—rooted not only in his extraordinary body of work but also in the love and dedication he offered to his family and community—will continue to resonate within the hearts of those who cherished him. The artistic community remains committed to preserving his memory as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.