John Costelloe played a key role in the sixth season of "The Sopranos" as Jim "Johnny Cakes" Witowski, the short-order cook and volunteer firefighter with whom Soprano family capo Vito Spatafore (Joseph R. Gannascoli) falls in love while in hiding in New Hampshire. Johnny Cakes represents a fresh start for Vito, who's fled New Jersey after being outed as gay by his violently homophobic colleagues. Johnny Cakes is a warm, calming presence in Vito's life, and Vito even considers remaining in the sleepy New Hampshire town and building a new life with him. However, Vito becomes restless with rustic living and honest work, and ultimately, he decides to leave his love behind.
While appearing in only four episodes, John Costelloe leaves a lasting impression as one of the series' most memorable short-term guest stars. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Costelloe served the Fire Department of New York (alongside future "Sopranos" castmate Steve Buscemi) from 1987 to 1998, overlapping with his acting career. His other screen credits include small roles in "Die Hard 2" and "Doubt," as well as a recurring role as a crime boss on "New York Undercover." Sadly, in 2008, John Costelloe died at the age of 47 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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