Spencer Lofranco Dies at 33: John Travolta Gotti Co-Star’s Cause of Death and His 2018 Homelessness Admission
Unbroken and Gotti actor Spencer Lofranco is dead at 33, his brother Santino confirmed on Instagram, as British Columbia authorities investigate and withhold an official cause of death.
Tough news: Spencer Lofranco, the actor best known for Unbroken and Gotti, has died at 33. The details are still hazy, and authorities in British Columbia say the case is under active investigation, with no official cause of death released yet.
What we know right now
Lofranco's brother, Santino Lofranco, confirmed the news on Instagram, saying Spencer passed away on November 18.
You lived a life only some could dream of. You changed people lives, and now you are with God. I will always love you and miss you Bear. RIP
In the days since, a 2018 YouTube video of Lofranco has resurfaced. In it, he talks candidly about a period of homelessness and other personal struggles. That clip has picked up fresh attention as people try to make sense of what he might have been dealing with before his death. To be clear: speculation is swirling, but officials have not shared any findings about what happened.
The career that put him on the map
Lofranco's rise was quick, with early roles that made people pay attention and suggested a bigger career ahead.
- 2013: Made his screen debut in the indie rom-com At Middleton as Conrad Hartman, opposite Andy Garcia and Vera Farmiga.
- 2014: Breakout lead as James Burns in the crime drama Jamesy Boy, which moved him firmly into leading-man territory.
- 2014: Supporting role in Angelina Jolie's Unbroken as Harry Brooks.
- 2015–2016: Worked across different types of projects, including Dixieland and King Cobra.
- 2018: Most high-profile turn as John Gotti Jr. in Gotti, starring opposite John Travolta. Whatever you think of the movie, it became one of his most recognized credits.
His output slowed after Gotti, but those early performances showed a lot of promise.
How people are reacting online
Clips from Unbroken, Gotti, and Jamesy Boy are getting passed around again as fans share their favorite moments and revisit his work. On X, users including @CaseyToGo and @lapayasa__ posted tributes praising his performances, with some fans mentioning they watched his TikTok lives and were hoping he was turning a corner. Others, like @allthingzabsurd, zoomed out to talk about how many young actors we seem to be losing lately. And yes, some posts are making sweeping, unverified claims about exploitation and about his recent circumstances; treat that stuff with caution unless and until authorities confirm anything.
A lot of people are also re-reading things he said in past videos with a heavier heart, which tends to happen when someone passes away this young.
The takeaway
Spencer Lofranco was a talented actor who made a fast impression, especially with Jamesy Boy, Unbroken, and Gotti. The circumstances of his death are still being investigated in British Columbia. For now, what remains is the work that first put him in front of audiences and the fans who are rediscovering it now.
If you have a favorite performance or memory of his, drop it below. I want to hear what stuck with you.