On August 5, 2024, Hollywood mourned the loss of veteran actor John Aprea, known for his roles in “The Godfather Part II” and “Full House.” His manager confirmed that Aprea passed away from natural causes at his Los Angeles, California home, surrounded by his family. He was 83.
Born in Englewood, New Jersey, on March 4, 1941, Aprea was the son of Italian immigrants. In the early 1960s, he moved to New York to start his acting career, studying under esteemed acting coach Joshua Shelley. His acting debut was in 1968 in the action film “Bullitt,” where he shared the screen with Steve McQueen.
Aprea’s big break came in 1974 when he portrayed a young Salvatore Tessio in “The Godfather Part II.” Although he auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” but didn’t get the part, his role as Tessio solidified his standing in the industry and made him a recognizable figure in crime dramas.
Aprea’s career expanded beyond film to television, where he played the role of Nick Katsopolis, father of John Stamos’ character Jesse, in the popular sitcom “Full House.” This role touched audiences and earned him a spot in the “Fuller House” reboot from 2016 to 2020.
Throughout his career, Aprea maintained a steady presence in television and film, with roles in “New Jack City,” “The Sopranos,” “Matt Houston” and “CSI.” He also had a recurring role in the soap opera “Another World,” showcasing his acting versatility by portraying two different characters over the show’s run. Aprea’s ability to move seamlessly among film, television, and theater was a testament to his talent.
Aprea was also recognized for his work in theater and had a deep passion for acting. He often attributed his later success in Hollywood to the foundational skills he developed during his early theater work.
Aprea’s friend and former co-star on “Knots Landing,” Paul Carafotes, announced his passing on Instagram. Carafotes, who is also the author of the children’s book “The Adventures of Charlie Bubbles!,” shared memories of their friendship that spanned over four decades. He concluded his tribute with a promise of a reunion someday.
John 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 marriage, and his stepchildren, Marika Parker and Valentino Graci.
