John Aprea, known for playing the younger Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II, passed away at the age of 83 on August 5 due to natural causes in Los Angeles. His manager, Will Levine, confirmed the news, which was reported by the Hollywood Reporter on August 18. Aprea’s death marks the loss of a veteran actor who had a long and varied career in both film and television.
Aprea was born in New Jersey in 1941 to Italian immigrant parents. During his early years, his family moved to Italy for several years before returning to the United States.
Aprea pursued acting in the 1960s in New York and later moved to Los Angeles, where he made his film debut in the 1968 Steve McQueen movie Bullitt. His breakout role came in 1974 when he portrayed a younger version of Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II.
In addition to his role in The Godfather Part II, Aprea starred in notable films like The Manchurian Candidate and The Game. On television, he became well-known for his role as Nick Katsopolis, the father of John Stamos’ character Uncle Jesse, in the popular sitcom Full House. Aprea returned to this role in 2017 for the Netflix sequel series Fuller House, delighting fans of the original show.
During the 1980s, Aprea’s television career expanded with roles in series such as Matt Houston and recurring characters on primetime soaps like Falcon Crest and Knots Landing.
He also appeared on daytime soaps including Another World and Days of Our Lives. Aprea’s versatility led to guest appearances on well-known shows like Melrose Place, Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Renegade, Silk Stalkings, and The Sopranos.
In his later years, Aprea continued to work in both film and television, starring in movies like Stevie D and appearing on the crime drama series The Bay. Show creator Gregori J. Martin praised Aprea for his professionalism and his contributions to the show, remembering him as a true gentleman and talented actor.
Aprea is survived by his wife of 25 years, Betsy, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and his stepchildren Marika and Valentino. His passing leaves a lasting impact on the acting community.
