Anthony Guidera, 'Godfather III' and 'Species' actor, dies at 65 after cardiac arrest

Career beginnings and breakthrough

Anthony Guidera's first film role was a small part as a bodyguard, also named Anthony, in Francis Ford Coppola's 1990 film 'The Godfather Part III'. He shared credits with Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and Andy García. Born in San Francisco on 18 October 1960, Guidera spent about a decade in Paris working as a model before studying acting in New York with Robert Lewis at the Actors Studio.

The 'Species' kiss and MTV award

Guidera's most prominent role came in 1995 with Roger Donaldson's sci-fi thriller 'Species'. He played Robbie Llywelyn, a diabetic man who encounters Sil, the half-alien, half-human creature played by Natasha Henstridge. Their on-screen kiss became a memorable sequence that won the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss in 1996.

Filmography in the late 1990s

The late 1990s were Guidera's busiest period on the big screen. He appeared in Michael Bay's 'The Rock' (1996) and 'Armageddon' (1998), Kevin Costner's 'The Postman' (1997), the romantic drama ''Til There Was You' (1997), and Charles Burnett's 'The Annihilation of Fish' (1999). His last movie credit was in 2005 with 'L.A. Dicks'.

Television appearances

Guidera built an extensive television resume with guest roles across the 1990s and early 2000s. His credits include 'Renegade', 'Baywatch', 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine', 'Red Shoe Diaries', 'Nash Bridges', 'Angel', and 'ER'. His final television appearance was in a 2005 episode of 'L.A. Dicks'.

Circumstances of his death

Guidera died on Saturday, 6 June, at a hospital in the greater Los Angeles area. His wife of 30 years, Valarie Anderson, told TMZ that he collapsed at their home in Southern California on 11 May and suffered a cardiac arrest. He remained on life support for three weeks before doctors removed the machines, honouring his wishes to return home for a natural death. The exact cause of the cardiac arrest remains unclear, with Anderson stating that doctors were unable to determine what triggered it.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Anthony. 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.