Dec 27 2008
John Costelloe Commits Suicide – The Death of Johnny Cakes - Soprano’s Suicide
John Costelloe Commits Suicide – Johnny Cakes Death - Soprano’s Suicide
- Sopranos Star John Costelloe Commits Suicide -
The ex ‘Soprano’s actor’, John Costelloe, 47, was found dead at his Brooklyn home according to a report issued by police spokesman, Lt. John Grimpel to the Associated Press.
Costelloe was found dead at his Brooklyn, New York, home on December 18th with a reported, self inflicted gunshot wound to his head. Family members called the police after they became concerned at not being able to reach him.
Ex FDNY Fire-fighter, Costelloe played the part of the gay lover opposite the Mafia gangster, Vito Spatafore, played by the actor, Joseph Gannascoli, in the highly popular Soprano’s TV series. Costelloe became known as ‘Johnny Cakes’ Witowski after securing the role of Jim, who was a short-order cook in the show.
At the time of his death, Costelloe was appearing in an off-Broadway theater production of ‘Gang of Seven’, in which he played the part of a hustler. Costelloe had previously finished work on a film called ‘Doubt’, which stars Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman and is showing at movie theatres at the moment.
Long-time pal and former Sopranos cast mate, Joseph Gannascoli, had this to say to the New York Post, “I was shocked when I heard, and it still hasn’t really sunk in”. “I never detected anything troubling about him. I enjoyed all the time I ever spent with him.”
The wake and funeral has been held and was attended by fellow Soprano cast members. “It’s beyond me. This is too much for me to handle” were the only words that Costelloe’s father, Michael, 77, could find.
The Playwright of ‘Gang of Seven’, Jim Neu, in which Costelloe played the part of a fast-talking hustler, said his timing had been off in his final shows, but he wouldn’t give any indications as to what was troubling him.
Matt Dwyer, a colleague and fellow fireman of John Costelloe, said: “He was a great guy. Everyone’s in shock”.
Costelloe previously worked as a Brooklyn Fire-fighter before changing career paths in 1998. -
Gay Nightclub Scene Featuring John Costelloe ( ‘Johnny Cakes’ )
Very sad that he decided to commit suicide; I wonder what was troubling him. There certainly sounds to have been something bubbling under from what Jim Neu said, I wonder what it was though. Awful.
My thoughts are with his friends and family at what must be a very difficult time for them all. Christmas especially is a horrible thing to have to go through without a loved one.
Excellent news post from you as always, about a deeply saddening event.
That’s very sad. I’ve been there. People often say those who committ suicide are cowards, are selfish. But at the time, you’re not really thinking of anything else. You just want the pain to stop.
My thoughts are with John and his family. I hope they all find peace some day.