Canadian actor Spencer Lofranco, known for his starring roles in “Gotti” and “Jamesy Boy,” has died at age 33. The British Columbia Coroners Service confirmed it is investigating his death, which occurred Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, though no cause has been determined.
Lofranco’s brother, Santino Lofranco, announced the death on Instagram Thursday, Nov. 20. In an emotional tribute, he remembered his sibling as someone who “lived a life only some could dream of” and “changed people’s lives, and now you are with God.”
Born Oct. 18, 1992, in Toronto, Lofranco pursued acting against his father’s wishes. In a 2014 interview with Interview magazine, he revealed his father, Rocco Lofranco, a personal injury attorney in Toronto, wanted him to become a hockey player and lawyer. His mother, a dancer, opera singer, and actress, often took him to auditions during his childhood, sparking his interest in performance.
Lofranco decided to pursue acting seriously at age 17 and studied at the New York Film Academy during a year-long conservatory. His film career spanned from 2013 to 2018, accumulating seven credits total. He made his debut in the 2013 romantic comedy “At Middleton,” appearing alongside Andy García and Vera Farmiga.
His breakthrough came with “Jamesy Boy,” where he played lead character James Burns, a troubled teenager navigating gang violence and the criminal justice system. The performance showcased Lofranco’s ability to carry a film, earning him recognition in Hollywood circles and opening doors to work with major directors.
In 2014, Lofranco appeared in Angelina Jolie’s World War II drama “Unbroken,” playing Harry Brooks. He told Interview magazine that working with Jolie was a dream come true. The film, which received three Oscar nominations, featured Lofranco in a supporting role alongside an ensemble cast in the harrowing prisoner-of-war story.
Lofranco’s final credited role came in 2018 with “Gotti,” where he portrayed John Gotti Jr. opposite John Travolta in the title role. Kelly Preston, Travolta’s late wife, also starred in the biographical film about the infamous New York City mob boss. The role marked the end of Lofranco’s brief but memorable Hollywood career.
His other film credits included “King Cobra” and “Dixieland,” both released in 2015 and 2016, respectively. These independent productions allowed Lofranco to explore diverse characters and demonstrate his range as an actor beyond mainstream Hollywood productions.
Lofranco’s career was not without controversy. In 2013, he was involved in a hit-and-run incident in Hollywood that left a cyclist with severe injuries, including a broken hip and several fractures. Officials reported that Lofranco exited his vehicle to apologize to the victim before leaving the scene. He was sentenced in 2015 to 50 days of community service, two years of probation, and $161,000 in restitution.
Lofranco relocated to Surrey, British Columbia, in 2021, leaving behind his Hollywood career. His social media presence continued sporadically, with his final Instagram post appearing Nov. 11, 2025, just days before his death. The post featured a cryptic message suggesting optimism about his future.
In his 2014 Interview magazine conversation, Lofranco expressed thoughtful ambitions for his acting career. He stated his desire to pursue serious, authentic films and emphasized the importance of making wise choices about his roles. The young actor cited Sean Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, and River Phoenix as performers whose career choices he admired and hoped to emulate.
Lofranco described himself as naturally funny and someone who was often trying to make people laugh and the center of attention. This personality trait translated into his performances, where he often brought energy and authenticity to his characters, particularly in roles depicting troubled young men seeking redemption.
The British Columbia Coroners Service investigation remains ongoing, with authorities declining to provide additional details while the case is open. The coroner’s office typically investigates deaths to establish cause and circumstances, particularly when the cause is unclear or unexpected.
Despite his relatively short filmography, Lofranco worked with notable Hollywood figures including Travolta, Jolie, Mary-Louise Parker, Ving Rhames and James Woods. His performances, particularly in “Jamesy Boy,” demonstrated promise and suggested a career that could have continued developing had circumstances been different.
Lofranco’s death at 33 ends a career that showed both potential and challenges. His work in independent films and major studio productions left a mark on those who collaborated with him, and his performances remain available for audiences to discover and appreciate.
