John Aprea, an esteemed actor who gained recognition for his roles in “The Godfather Part II” and “Full House,” passed away on August 5, 2024 at the age of 83. His manager confirmed that he died of natural causes at his residence in Los Angeles, California surrounded by his family.
Aprea, born on March 4, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey, was the child of Italian immigrants. In the early 1960s, he moved to New York to pursue a career in acting, studying under the renowned acting coach Joshua Shelley. His acting career began in 1968 with the action film “Bullitt,” in which he shared the screen with Steve McQueen.
His career took off in 1974 when he portrayed a young Salvatore Tessio in “The Godfather Part II,” a role that solidified his status in Hollywood. Although he auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather,” the part ultimately went to Al Pacino. Nonetheless, his portrayal of Tessio made him a staple in crime dramas.
Aprea also had a successful television career aside from his work in “The Godfather Part II.” He was known for his role as Nick Katsopolis, John Stamos’ character’s father, in “Full House.” His depiction of the stern yet affectionate father struck a chord with viewers, leading to his involvement in the “Fuller House” reboot from 2016 to 2020.
Throughout his career, Aprea continued to take on roles in various television 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 different characters. His acting skills allowed him to seamlessly transition between film, television, and theater.
Aprea was not only known for his on-screen accomplishments but also for his stage performances and deep affection for acting. He often attributed his Hollywood success to his early experiences in theater.
Paul Carafotes, a fellow actor and friend of Aprea, announced his passing on Instagram. Carafotes, who worked with Aprea on “Knots Landing” and authored the children’s book “The Adventures of Charlie Bubbles!,” shared that the two had been friends since meeting on the set of “Knots Landing” in 1987. In his tribute, Carafotes expressed his deep loss and promised to meet Aprea again one day.
Aprea’s sister, Rosanna Sole, predeceased him. He is survived by his wife and companion of 25 years, Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and his stepchildren, Marika Parker and Valentino Graci.
