John Aprea was an actor known for portraying young Salvatore Tessio in “The Godfather Part II” and Uncle Jesse’s father on “Full House,” along with a long tenure on “Another World” and stints on “Falcon Crest” and “Knots Landing.”
- Died: August 5, 2024 (Who else died on August 5?)
- Details of death: Died in Los Angeles of natural causes at the age of 83.
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John Aprea’s legacy
Born in Englewood, New Jersey, John Aprea was a child of Italian immigrants who spoke the Neapolitan language at home. He studied business at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania before deciding to pursue acting, and made his screen debut in 1968’s Steve McQueen classic, “Bullitt.”
Aprea met Francis Ford Coppola while in Los Angeles and auditioned to play Michael Corleone in “The Godfather.” Though he didn’t get the role, he was later cast as the young Salvatore Tessio in “The Godfather Part II,” working alongside Robert De Niro in depicting the rise of the Corleone family.
Many roles followed. Noteworthy television work of Aprea’s includes 24 episodes of the ‘80s crime drama “Matt Houston”; a 16-episode 1987 stint on the primetime soap “Falcon Crest”; a run the following year on “Knots Landing”; and a decade-long stretch of over 400 episodes on “Another World.” He also had starring role in the show “American Heiress,” had recurring roles on “Days of Our Lives” and “Decker,” and played Jesse’s father on “Full House” and its sequel series “Fuller House.”
Tributes to John Aprea
Full obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
