John Aprea, “Godfather” and “Full House” Actor, Dead at 83
John Aprea, the character actor known for his roles in “The Godfather Part II” and “Full House,” passed away on August 5 from natural causes in Los Angeles surrounded by his family at the age of 83, CBS News reports, citing his manager Will Levine.
Aprea, born in 1941 to Italian immigrants in Englewood, New Jersey, pursued his acting career in New York City before relocating to Los Angeles. He landed his breakout role in the 1967 Steve McQueen classic “Bullitt,” and soon after, secured the part of young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in “The Godfather Part II.”
Interestingly, Aprea had originally auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in the first “Godfather” film, which ultimately went to Al Pacino.
Aprea’s performance as the younger Tessio, later portrayed by the iconic Abe Vigoda, was a highlight of his career. He reportedly sought advice from Vigoda for the role, to which the veteran actor simply replied, “Just have a good time, kid.”
Throughout his extensive career, Aprea appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including “The Montefuscos,” “The Idolmaker,” “Matt Houston,” “Mannix,” “The Rookies,” “NYPD Blue,” “The Stepford Wives,” “American Anthem,” and “The Game.
Aprea is probably best known for his recurring role as the exterminator father of John Stamos’ character, Jesse Katsopolis, on the popular sitcom “Full House.” Aprea reprised the role for the 2017 Netflix reboot, “Fuller House.”
Aprea 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.
