John Aprea, known for his portrayal of the young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in “The Godfather Part II,” died earlier this month. He was 83 years old.
Aprea died of natural causes on Monday, August 5, in Los Angeles surrounded by his family, his manager Will Levine confirmed to Fox News Digital.
“I am very saddened by the passing of Mr. Aprea,” Levine told Fox News Digital. “He was an incredibly talented actor and loved by his friends. One of the finest guys I knew.”
Born to Italian immigrants in Englewood, New Jersey in 1941, Aprea got his first break in the industry in 1968 in the classic San Francisco police drama “Bullitt” with Steve McQueen.
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He then played the young Tessio in The Godfather Part II. When he was cast in the role, Aprea reportedly called Abe Vigoda, who played the older version of the role in Part I, to ask for character insight.
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Vigoda told Aprea, “I don’t know what I did. Just have fun, boy.”
In addition to soap operas, Aprea also appeared in numerous crime series.
He worked for decades as Alexander Nikos and Lucas Castigliano on the long-running hit “Another World”.
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In addition to his role as a tough guy, Aprea played John Stamos’ father in the family sitcom “Full House.”
Years later, he reprised his role when the series was optioned for a Netflix reboot of “Fuller House.”
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Aprea leaves behind his wife and partner of 25 years, Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Graci.