Notable actor John Aprea, celebrated 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 from natural causes at his residence in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by his family.
Born on March 4, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey, Aprea was the child of Italian immigrants. In the early part of the 1960s, he moved to New York to kick-start his acting career, studying under the notable acting coach Joshua Shelley. His acting debut was in the 1968 action film “Bullitt,” acting alongside Steve McQueen.
His breakout role came in 1974 when he portrayed young Salvatore Tessio in “The Godfather Part II,” establishing him as a rising star in Hollywood. Despite losing the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” to Al Pacino, Aprea’s performance as Tessio made him a familiar face in crime drama genre.
In addition to “The Godfather Part II,” Aprea had a thriving television career. He portrayed Nick Katsopolis, the father of Jesse, a character played by John Stamos, in the hit series “Full House.” His depiction of a stern yet loving father struck a chord with viewers, leading to his involvement in the “Fuller House” revival from 2016 to 2020.
Throughout his career, Aprea continued to feature in various television series and films, such as “New Jack City,” “The Sopranos,” and “CSI.” He also appeared in the soap opera “Another World,” playing two different characters over time. His versatile acting skills enabled him to transition smoothly between film, television, and theatre.
Aprea was also recognized for his theatre work and his deep passion for acting. He frequently attributed his early theatre roles as the groundwork for his later success in Hollywood.
Paul Carafotes, Aprea’s co-star in “Knots Landing” and a close friend, announced Aprea’s death on Instagram. They first met on the set of “Knots Landing” in 1987, and Carafotes reminisced about the many laughs they shared. He ended his tribute with a promise to meet Aprea again someday.
Aprea was predeceased by his sister, Rosanna Sole. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole from a previous relationship, and his stepchildren, Marika Parker and Valentino Graci.
