Actor John Aprea, known from “The Godfather – Part II” and “Full House”, dies at the age of 83

John Aprea, a Hollywood character actor known for his roles in The Godfather – Part II And Full house, has died. He was 83.

Aprea’s manager Will Levine confirmed to PEOPLE on Sunday, August 18, that the actor died of natural causes on August 5 at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family.

Originally from Englewood, New Jersey, and the son of Italian immigrants, Aprea began his acting career in New York City in the 1960s before moving to Los Angeles to star in films such as Steve McQueen’s 1967 film The Last Man. Bullitt1970s The Grasshopper and 1975 The Stepford Wivesaccording to his IMDB.

Over the years, he appeared in many other well-known and well-received films and television series, including director Jonathan Demme’s 1974 film Trapped heat, 2004s Candidate of Fear and the long-running soap opera Knot landing.

Aprea portrayed dozens of gangster characters throughout his career, including in Mario Van Peebles’ 1991 film New Jack City, as well as television shows such as the 1981 NBC miniseries The Gangster Chronicles.

Accordingly THR, Aprea met Francis Ford Coppola while working as a bartender in Los Angeles and got the chance to audition for the role of Michael Corleone in the original film. Godfather Although the role ultimately went to Al Pacino, Aprea was called back for the sequel, where he took on the role of mafia boss Salvatore Tessio, who was played by Abe Vigoda in the original.

In an earlier interview, Aprea said that working with Coppola, Pacino and Robert De Niro on the film was “the highlight” of his acting career.

“I was surrounded by the best in The Godfather,“, he told the Shreveport Journalaccording to Deadline.

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From 1988 to 1991 Aprea performed Full house as Nick Katsopolis, an exterminator and father of Jesse Katsopolis, played by John Stamos. He also reprised the role for the Netflix reboot of the series in 2017, Fuller house.

On Saturday, August 18, Knots Landing Actor Paul Carafotes paid tribute to his late co-star, writing in an Instagram post: “I just heard that my old buddy, friend, actor, father, husband and brother has passed away,” before sharing memories of Aprea.

“We laughed a lot. We met on the set of the CBS television show Knots Landing1987. Over 40 years ago,” Carafotes continued. “Many will miss this man! Rest in peace, old friend. See you on the other side.”

Aprea is survived by his wife of 25 years, Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole (from a previous marriage to actress Ninon Aprea), and his stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Graci. His sister Rosanna Sole predeceased him.