Categories: Trending now

John Aprea, “The Godfather Part II” and “Full House” actor, dies at 83

2024-08-19 08:10:02

The making of “The Godfather”


The making of “The Godfather”

08:54

John Aprea, who played young Tessio in “The Godfather Part II” and John Stamos’ father in “Full House”, died on Aug. 5 at age 83, his manager Will Levine confirmed to CBS News. He died of natural causes in Los Angeles surrounded by his loved ones.

Aprea was born in 1941 to Italian immigrants in Englewood, New Jersey. He moved to New York City in the early 1960s to pursue acting before relocating to Los Angeles.

John Aprea attends the 17th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival premiere of “Stevie D” at Island Cinema on April 26, 2016, in Newport Beach, California.

Michael Boardman/WireImage via Getty


He got his first break in the 1967 Steve McQueen classic “Bullitt” before landing the role of young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in “The Godfather Part II.” He had originally auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather”, but Al Pacino got the part.

Aprea reportedly phoned actor Abe Vigoda, who played the older version of his character in “The Godfather” and asked for his insight. Vigoda reportedly told him to “just have a good time, kid.”

John Aprea as a young Salvatore ‘Sal’ Tessio in “The Godfather: Part II”

Paramount Pictures via Getty


Aprea had said that the role was a highlight of his career, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Throughout his career, Aprea appeared in multiple TV shows and movies, including “The Montefuscos,” “The Idolmaker” and “Matt Houston.” His resume also included roles in “Mannix,” “The Rookies,” “NYPD Blue, “The Stepford Wives”, “American Anthem” and “The Game.”

Aprea recurred as the exterminator dad of Stamos’ Jesse Katsopolis on ABC’s “Full House” from 1988-1991 and reprised the role for the 2017 Netflix reboot “Fuller House.”

He is survived by his third wife Betsy Garci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage to actress Cherie Latimer and stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Garci. 

News Today

Share
Published by
News Today

Recent Posts

Kareena Kapoor’s Next Untitled Film With Meghna Gulzar Gets Prithviraj Sukumaran On Board

Kareena Kapoor is working with Raazi director Meghna Gulzar for her next film. The project,…

18 hours ago

Purdue basketball freshman Daniel Jacobsen injured vs Northern Kentucky

2024-11-09 15:00:03 WEST LAFAYETTE -- Daniel Jacobsen's second game in Purdue basketball's starting lineup lasted…

18 hours ago

Rashida Jones honors dad Quincy Jones with heartfelt tribute: ‘He was love’

2024-11-09 14:50:03 Rashida Jones is remembering her late father, famed music producer Quincy Jones, in…

18 hours ago

Nosferatu Screening at Apollo Theatre Shows Student Interest in Experimental Cinema – The Oberlin Review

2024-11-09 14:40:03 A silent German expressionist film about vampires accompanied by Radiohead’s music — what…

19 hours ago

What Are Adaptogens? Find Out How These 3 Herbs May Help You Tackle Stress Head-On

Let's face it - life can be downright stressful! With everything moving at breakneck speed,…

19 hours ago

The new Mac Mini takes a small step towards upgradeable storage

Apple’s redesigned Mac Mini M4 has ditched the previous M2 machine’s SSD that was soldered…

19 hours ago