Spencer Lofranco, an actor celebrated for his performances in films such as “Jamesy Boy” and “Gotti,” has tragically passed away at the age of 33.

His death is currently under investigation by authorities in British Columbia, Canada, though no official cause has been disclosed as of now, according to reports from TMZ.

In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Spencer’s brother, Santino Lofranco, shared the news of his passing, which occurred on a recent Tuesday. Santino expressed his deep sorrow and admiration, writing, “To the legend @roccowinning. My brother. You lived a life only some could dream of. You changed people’s lives, and now you are with God. I will always love you and miss you Bear. RIP. October 18, 1992 – November 18, 2025.”

Lofranco, who portrayed the son of John Travolta’s character in “Gotti,” had honed his acting skills at the New York Film Academy. It was during a year-long conservatory program there that he prepared for his breakout role in “Jamesy Boy,” marking the start of a promising career in the entertainment industry.

Lofranco, who played John Travolta’s son in Gotti, honed his craft at the New York Film Academy during a year-long conservatory program, which led to his breakout role in Jamesy Boy. 

Over his career, he appeared in seven films, including At Middleton (2013), Unbroken (2014), and Home (2015).

Spencer Lofranco, known for his leading roles in Jamesy Boy and Gotti, has died at age 33; (pictured at Gotti premiere in 2018)

Authorities in British Columbia, Canada , are investigating his death, though the cause has not yet been confirmed; (pictured with John Travolta on Gotti in 2016)

In a 2014 interview, Spencer recalled being a naturally funny child who was ‘always trying to make people laugh and always the center of attention.’ 

‘I decided I wanted to be an actor when I was 17,’ he told Interview magazine. ‘I guess I was being an actor my whole life. 

‘I finally realized what I was doing and it was just getting me in trouble. I went to summer acting classes. Then I did a year conservatory at New York Film Academy and then that’s when I got Jamesy Boy.’

Lofranco was born in Toronto, Ontario, on October 18, 1992, to lawyer Rocco “Rocky” Lofranco and opera singer Amy Lofranco. 

His parents divorced during his childhood, and he grew up in Thornhill, Ontario, alongside his older brother Santino. 

Struggling in traditional school, he attended Robert Land Academy military school from ninth through twelfth grade.

He launched his acting career in 2012 with the independent romantic comedy At Middleton,.

He landed his first leading role in Jamesy Boy (2014) as troubled teen James Burns, sharing the screen with Mary-Louise Parker, Ving Rhames, and Taissa Farmiga. 

Lofranco’s brother Santino Lofranco shared a tribute on Instagram, revealing that Spencer passed away on Tuesday

Lofranco honed his craft at the New York Film Academy during a year-long conservatory program, which led to his breakout role in Jamesy Boy; (pictured in 2012)

He landed his first leading role in Jamesy Boy (2014) as troubled teen James Burns, sharing the screen with Mary-Louise Parker (pictured), Ving Rhames, and Taissa Farmiga

Lofranco’s brother Santino Lofranco shared sweet photos (above) in his Instagram tribute

That same year, he co-starred in Angelina Jolie’s war drama Unbroken and appeared in the short thriller Home. 

In 2015, he featured in the crime film Dixieland, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Lofranco’s life off-screen, however, was troubled. 

In 2013, he was convicted of misdemeanor hit-and-run after striking cyclist Camille Banham with his SUV, receiving 50 days of community service. 

Banham suffered a broken hip and multiple fractures, and was wheelchair-bound until she relearned how to walk, per CBS.

Officials said Lofranco got out of his vehicle after the incident and apologized to Banham before leaving the scene.

‘I used to call what happened to me an accident, and it would’ve been an accident if Spencer had stayed and helped me after he got out of his car and saw me injured on the side of the road, but instead he chose to leave me,’ Banham said in 2015, per the outlet.

His defense attorney Michael Levi argued that Lofranco left in fear.

‘It was an accident. The crime here was not leaving his identification at the scene. That’s not what injured her, and for that reason you have to look at not so much the injuries as you have to look at what happened after and what happened after does not make him a monster,’ Levin said in a statement at the time. 

By 2019, Lofranco had reportedly chosen a more isolated lifestyle, living on the beach, selling his art, and going by the nickname Fire.