Spencer Lofranco, known for his roles in Unbroken and Gotti, has died at 33. As of now, authorities have not released an official cause of death, only confirming that the case is under active investigation in British Columbia.
His brother, Santino Lofranco, confirmed the news in an Instagram post, stating that the actor passed away on November 18. The post read (via THR):
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 following the news, a 2018 YouTube clip (watch below) of Lofranco resurfaced, showing the actor speaking openly about experiencing homelessness and the personal difficulties he faced at the time.
The video has drawn renewed attention as viewers revisit his earlier reflections and the challenges he once described, sparking speculation about what he may have been dealing with before his death.
Spencer Lofranco’s Hollywood Rise: From ‘Unbroken‘ to ‘Gotti‘
Lofranco’s acting career gained traction quickly after his screen debut. He first appeared in the 2013 indie romantic comedy At Middleton, portraying Conrad Hartman opposite Andy Garcia and Vera Farmiga.
His major breakout came the following year with the lead role of James Burns in the 2014 crime drama Jamesy Boy, which marked his transition from newcomer to leading-actor potential. That same year, Lofranco landed a supporting part in Unbroken (2014), the war drama directed by Angelina Jolie, playing Harry Brooks.
Over the next several years, he featured in titles such as Dixieland (2015) and King Cobra (2016), broadening his roles and working alongside diverse casts.
His most high-profile credit arrived in 2018 with Gotti, where he portrayed John Gotti Jr. opposite John Travolta‘s John Gotti Sr. The film placed him at the center of a major biographical drama and became one of his most recognized credits. Though his output slowed in the years that followed, these early performances defined the promise of a career that many believed was only beginning.
How Social Media Is Responding to Spencer Lofranco’s Death
News of Lofranco’s death quickly spread across social platforms, where users began sharing clips, photos, and memories tied to his work. Many posts highlighted scenes from Unbroken and Gotti, reintroducing his performances to audiences who first discovered him through those films.
X saw a wave of tribute posts and nostalgic commentary from viewers reflecting on the roles that first brought him into the spotlight:
RIP Spencer Lofranco
I loved his performance in Gotti. pic.twitter.com/UgMRFKG7ZT
rip spencer lofranco ❤️🩹 i absolutely adored him in jamesy boy and kept up with his lives on tik tok praying he got better 💔 may his soul rest in eternal paradise.
Beyond personal tributes, some users have tied the actor’s death to broader conversations about Hollywood’s treatment of young actors, something many celebrities have openly spoken about.
33 is no age… it’s heartbreaking how many young actors we’re losing lately. Hollywood keeps shining on the outside while the people inside are barely holding it together. May he rest in peace.
So sad 😭 Another victim of #Hollywood cruel sexual exploitation! Spencer Lofranco was homeless last few months and didn't even have money for food.
Many users also pointed out how certain comments he made in past lives and videos now carry a different weight in hindsight.
For now, Lofranco’s legacy lives on through the performances that first introduced him to the world and the impact they continue to have on those rediscovering his story today. What are your thoughts on Lofranco’s journey? Tell us in the comments!
