Actor Anthony Guidera, who appeared in movies like The Godfather Part III, Armageddon and Species, has died at the age of 65.
Anthony’s wife, Valarie Guidera, confirmed the news to TMZ on Tuesday, June 9, telling the publication that his heart stopped suddenly while the couple were at their Los Angeles home on May 11.
Anthony was rushed to the hospital, where he was put on life support for three weeks.
Doctors later took him off life support, per his prior directive, so he could be brought home for a natural death.
Valarie told TMZ that her husband died on Saturday, June 6. His cause of death has not been revealed and Anthony’s wife said the doctors have no idea what made his heart stop.
Born in San Francisco, Anthony moved to Paris and traveled around the world for about a decade while making commercials and modeling under the name James Guidera.
His film career, however, took off in 1990 when he landed the role of a bodyguard (also named Anthony) in the third installment of the Godfather trilogy.
He later made cameo appearances on shows such as Baywatch and Valley of the Dolls before booking a role in the sci-fi horror film Species. The project earned him an MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss with his costar Natasha Henstridge.
Outside of acting, Anthony and Valarie volunteered at a “spiritual foundation” in Palos Verdes Estates, California, called Astara. The actor’s name is listed online under the organization’s volunteers.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Astara’s Reverend Anthony,” the organization wrote via Instagram on Saturday. “We are devastated and trying to breathe through the impossible, taking each moment as it comes. Please hold his eternal light in your hearts and his family in your prayers.”
Astara later conducted a special blessing and prayer during its weekly Sunday Sacred Space.
As friends and family continue to mourn Anthony’s death, Valarie is expressing her gratitude for the well-wishes surfacing online.
In response to a friend’s tribute to Anthony via Instagram, Valarie quickly shared her appreciation for the kind, thoughtful words.
“Tina and Brad — the passing of the man that holds my heart and shares my soul is devastating,” she wrote in the comments section. “Thank you for walking through life’s happier times with us, for the unforgettable celebrations, endless smiles and for being a meaningful part of our too short story.”
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