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Veteran actor John Aprea, best known for his role as young Tessio in The Godfather Part II and as John Stamos’ father in Full House, has died at the age of 83. His manager, Will Levine, confirmed to CBS News that Aprea passed away from natural causes in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones.
Aprea was born in 1941 in Englewood, New Jersey, to Italian immigrant parents. He began his acting career in the early 1960s after moving to New York City, eventually relocating to Los Angeles, where he secured his first significant role in the 1967 Steve McQueen classic Bullitt.
Aprea’s breakthrough came when he was cast as the young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in The Godfather Part II, a role that remains one of the highlights of his career. Although he initially auditioned for the part of Michael Corleone, a role ultimately secured by Al Pacino, Aprea’s portrayal of Tessio left an indelible mark on the film industry.
To prepare for the role, Aprea sought advice from Abe Vigoda, who played the older version of Tessio in The Godfather. Vigoda’s advice to “just have a good time, kid,” became a guiding principle for Aprea throughout his acting career.
Over the years, Aprea appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including *The Montefuscos, The Idolmaker, Matt Houston, and The Stepford Wives. His television credits include guest appearances on popular series such as Mannix, The Rookies, NYPD Blue, and The Game.
From 1988 to 1991, Aprea portrayed Nick Katsopolis, the father of Jesse Katsopolis (played by John Stamos), in ABC’s hit series Full House.He later reprised this role in the 2017 Netflix reboot Fuller House.
Aprea is survived by his third wife, Betsy Garci, his daughter Nicole from his previous marriage to actress Cherie Latimer, and stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Garci. His legacy continues through his memorable contributions to film and television, leaving behind a body of work that has touched the hearts of many.
