‘The Godfather Part II’ and ‘Full House,’ Actor John Aprea Dies at 83

John Aprea, a distinguished actor known for his roles in iconic productions such as "The Godfather Part II" and the beloved television series "Full House," has passed away at the age of 83. His contributions to the entertainment industry spanned several decades, showcasing his versatility and talent across various genres. Aprea's involvement in these significant works not only highlighted his acting prowess but also underscored the evolving landscape of American cinema and television during the late 20th century.

Robert De Niro. In this film, Aprea portrayed a character deeply enmeshed in themes of power, family loyalty, and betrayal—elements that resonate throughout Mario Puzo’s narrative. His performance contributed to the film's rich tapestry of complex characters navigating moral ambiguities, further solidifying its status as a cornerstone of American filmmaking.

John Aprea, the charismatic character actor who portrayed the young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II and the father of John Stamos’ character on Full House, has died. He was 83.

Aprea died Aug. 5 of natural causes in Los Angeles, his manager, Will Levine, announced.

According to IMBD, Aprea launched his Hollywood acting career with a small role in the 1968 crime-thriller Bullitt. He would later appear in “The Grasshopper” (1970) and “Caged Heat” (1974) before landing one of his most notable roles as the young Salvatore Tessio in “The Godfather Part II,” which also debuted in 1974.

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."

Aprea met “The Godfather” director Francis Ford Coppola while working as a bartender in Los Angeles, per The Hollywood Reporter. He initially auditioned for the role of mobster Michael Corleone in the film trilogy’s first installment, but that part went to none other than Al Pacino.

All wasn’t lost, however, with Aprea starring in the sequel.

He also portrayed a mob leader in the 1981 NBC miniseries “The Gangster Chronicles” and a mafia boss in the 2000 film “Brother.”

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. 

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Sarah H

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