BREAKING NEWS'The Godfather Part III' Star Anthony Guidera Dead at 65 Following Weeks on Life Support After His Heart Suddenly Stopped Beating
Anthony Guidera's cause of death remains a mystery.
June 9 2026, Updated 1:59 p.m. ET
Anthony Guidera has died at age 65 following a shocking turn of events.
The Godfather Part III star's wife, Valerie Anderson, confirmed her husband's passing in an emotional social media statement, later telling TMZ he spent weeks on life support before he as transported home to experience a natural death, per his prior request.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Anthony,” she penned. “We are devastated and trying to breathe through the impossible, taking each moment as it comes. Please hold this eternal light in your hearts and our family in your prayers.”
'The Godfather Part III' actor passed at age 65 on Saturday, June 6.
Guidera had been on life support since May 11, when he collapsed in the living room of his and Anderson's Southern California and his heart suddenly stopped beating.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, where he spent three weeks on life support, Guidera could not be saved.
The Species actor passed on Saturday, June 6, however, his cause of death remains unknown, as his wife revealed doctors have no idea what caused Guidera's heart to stop working.
Several fans, friends and relatives of Guidera were left destroyed by his shocking death.
Astara, the spiritual foundation organization he volunteered at, released a statement noting, "We are devastated and trying to breathe through the impossible taking each moment as it comes.”
Actress Tina Hillstrom honored Guidera with a touching Instagram tribute, writing, "Today our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to the irreplaceable Anthony Guidera, beloved husband of our cherished Valerie Anderson."
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'He Was a Precious Soul'
Anthony Guidera and Valerie Anderson were married for 20 years.
"From Beverly Hills to Scottsdale and everywhere in between, Anthony lit up our holidays, barbecues, birthdays, and everyday celebrations with his handsome smile, warm spirit, and that special light that made every gathering feel like home. He was a precious soul — beautiful inside and out — who touched everyone he met with kindness, laughter, and a depth of faith that lifted us all," she continued alongside a collage of photos remembering the late actor.
Hillstrom went on: "Anthony may have left this earthly plane, but his spiritual presence is still so strong around us. I can feel him smiling down, watching over Valerie with the same love he always gave so freely.Valerie, sweet friend — we are here for you always. As you regroup and move forward, lean on us. Let us carry some of the weight, share the memories, and celebrate the beautiful life you built together. You are surrounded by love, prayers, and friends who adore you both.Anthony, thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the way you made this world brighter. You will live on in every toast, every story, and every warm breeze that feels like a hug from heaven. Rest in perfect peace, dear Anthony. We love you. We miss you. And we will be there for Valerie every step of the way. 💫🙏❤️."
Anthony Guidera is survived by his wife, Valerie Anderson, and their son, Nick.
The late Hollywood star was best known for playing a bodyguard, also named Anthony, in The Godfather Part III. He also portrayed Robbie in the 1995 sci-fi film Species — for which he earned an MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss with costar Natasha Henstridge.
He saw smaller roles in the 1996 movie The Rock, 1997's The Postman and Armageddon in 1998.
Guidera — who is survived by his wife of 20 years and their son, Nick — additionally earned credits in the TV shows Renegade, Baywatch, Angel, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
