John Aprea, ‘The Godfather Part II’ and ‘Full House’ Star, Passes Away at 83
Aprea also played another scoundrel( godfather part II) , Lucas Castigliano, as well as a millionaire shipping magnate, Alexander Nikos, during two stints on the NBC soap opera Another World over the course of a decade (1989-98). Both characters are shot dead by women.
He starred as the patriarch of a multi-racial Italian-American family on NBC’s The Montefuscos, but the comedy created by Bill Persky and Sam Danoff lasted only nine episodes in 1975.
While tending bar in Los Angeles, Aprea met Francis Ford Coppola and auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972). Of course Al Pacino got the part, but Aprea landed the first sequel as Tessio, the mobster originally played by Abe Vigoda.
He called Vigoda for insight into the role and was reportedly told: “I don’t know what I did. Just have a good time, kid.” He said the gig was the highlight of his career.
Aprea recurred as the exterminator dad to Stamos’ Jesse Katsopolis on ABC’s Full House from 1988-91 and reprized the role for the 2017 Netflix reboot.
Jonathan Aprea was born on March 4, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants. After he and his family lived in Italy for a few years, they resettled in New Jersey, and he graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in 1959, where he played football.
Aprea moved to New York City in the early 1960s to pursue acting, then came to Los Angeles and played a hitman in the Steve McQueen classic Bullet (1967). He starred in films such as The Grasshopper (1970) and Curtis Henson’s Sweetkill (1972).
Aprea star of movie godfather later stood out as the mob boss Albert Anastasia on the acclaimed 1981 NBC miniseries The Gangster Chronicles
He played Lt. Vince Novelli in the first two seasons (1982–84) of the ABC action series Matt Houston and had featured story arcs on a pair of CBS primetime soaps: Sheriff on Falcon Crest in 1987; As Jack North and the villain Manny. Vasquez at Knots Landing in 1988.
Her acting experience includes Manx, The Rookies, The FBI, Wonder Woman, Silk Stalkings, The Sopranos, Cold Case, NYPD Blue and CSI and the films The Stepford Wives (1975), American Anthem (1986). ) and acting in films was also included. The Game (1997).
Survivors include his third wife, Betsy (together for 25 years); his daughter, Nicole, from his previous marriage to actress Neen Upriya; and stepchildren Marika and Valentino. He was predeceased by his sister Rosanna.
Who is Jonathan Aprea?
Jonathan Aprea was an American actor known for his roles in television and film, including the NBC soap opera Another World and the ABC series Full House.
Who were Jonathan Aprea’s family members?
He is survived by his third wife, Betsy, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and his stepchildren Marika and Valentino. He was predeceased by his sister Rosanna.
What roles did Jonathan Aprea play on Another World?
Aprea played two characters, Lucas Castigliano and Alexander Nikos, both of whom were shot dead by women during his time on the show from 1989-1998.
How did Jonathan Aprea get involved in The Godfather?
Aprea met Francis Ford Coppola while tending bar in Los Angeles, which led to his audition and subsequent role in The Godfather Part II.
What other films did Jonathan Aprea star in?
Aprea appeared in films like Bullet (1967), The Grasshopper (1970), Sweetkill (1972), The Stepford Wives (1975), American Anthem (1986), and The Game (1997).
What was Jonathan Aprea’s role in The Godfather series?
Although he auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone, Aprea ultimately played Tessio, a mobster, in The Godfather Part II.
