John Aprea, an esteemed actor celebrated for his roles in “The Godfather Part II” and “Full House,” passed away on August 5, 2024. His manager confirmed that the 83-year-old actor died from natural causes at his residence in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by his family.
Born on March 4, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey to Italian immigrant parents, Aprea moved to New York in the early 1960s to chase his acting dreams. He studied under the esteemed acting coach Joshua Shelley and made his acting debut in 1968 in the action film “Bullitt,” starring opposite Steve McQueen.
Aprea’s breakthrough came in 1974 when he portrayed a young Salvatore Tessio in “The Godfather Part II,” a role that catapulted him to fame in Hollywood. Although he auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather,” losing to Al Pacino, his performance as Tessio was indelible, establishing him as a recognizable figure in crime dramas.
Aprea’s career wasn’t limited to the big screen. He made a significant impact on television, playing Nick Katsopolis, John Stamos’ character’s father, on “Full House.” His portrayal of the stern yet loving father resonated with viewers, earning him a spot in the “Fuller House” reboot from 2016 to 2020.
Throughout his career, Aprea showcased his versatility by taking on a variety of roles in TV shows and films, including “New Jack City,” “The Sopranos,” “Falcon Crest,” “Matt Houston,” and “CSI.” He also had a recurring role in the soap opera “Another World,” where he played two characters. This flexibility allowed him to move effortlessly between film, television, and theater.
Along with his on-screen achievements, Aprea was recognized for his stage performances and deep passion for acting. He often attributed his successful Hollywood career to his early experiences in theater.
Aprea’s friend and former “Knots Landing” co-star, Paul Carafotes, also the author of the children’s book “The Adventures of Charlie Bubbles!,” announced Aprea’s passing on Instagram. He fondly recalled their shared laughs from the set of “Knots Landing” in 1987, where they first met over 40 years ago, and expressed his deep sense of loss.
Aprea was predeceased by his sister, Rosanna Sole. 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.