John Aprea, the seasoned actor best known for his role as the young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in *The Godfather Part II*, has passed away at the age of 83. Aprea, whose career spanned decades and included roles in both crime dramas and family sitcoms, died of natural causes on Monday, August 5, in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones. His manager, Will Levine, confirmed the news to Fox News Digital, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of Hollywood’s most distinguished gentlemen.
“I am very saddened by the death of Mr. Aprea,” Levine shared. “He was an incredibly talented actor and loved by his friends. One of the classiest guys I knew.”
Born in Englewood, New Jersey, in 1941 to Italian immigrants, Aprea’s journey to Hollywood stardom is a testament to the American dream. He made his first significant mark in the industry with a role in the 1968 Steve McQueen classic *Bullitt*, a film that cemented McQueen’s status as a Hollywood legend. But it was Aprea’s portrayal of the young Sal Tessio in the iconic *The Godfather Part II* that truly catapulted him into the spotlight.
In preparing for the role of young Tessio, Aprea sought advice from Abe Vigoda, the actor who had portrayed the older Tessio in the original *Godfather* film. Vigoda’s advice was characteristically straightforward: “I don’t know what I did. Just have a good time, kid.” And that’s exactly what Aprea did, delivering a performance that would become a key part of the film’s enduring legacy.
Aprea’s talent wasn’t confined to the big screen. He became a familiar face on television as well, notably in the long-running daytime soap opera *Another World*, where he brought to life the characters Alexander Nikos and Lucas Castigliano. His ability to embody tough, complex characters made him a staple in crime sagas, but his versatility as an actor allowed him to seamlessly transition into more lighthearted roles.
Perhaps one of his most beloved roles was as John Stamos’ father on the hit family sitcom *Full House*. Aprea’s portrayal of Nick Katsopolis, the loving and often comedic father, endeared him to a whole new generation of fans. He later reprised this role in the Netflix reboot *Fuller House*, reminding audiences once again of his unique ability to bring warmth and authenticity to the screen.
Aprea’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the memorable characters he brought to life. He is survived by his wife and partner of 25 years, Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and his stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Graci.
As Hollywood bids farewell to one of its greats, Aprea’s body of work serves as a reminder of his incredible talent and the mark he left on the industry. Whether as a tough guy in a gritty crime drama or a loving father in a family sitcom, John Aprea’s performances will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
