Veteran actor John Aprea, whose numerous film and television credits were highlighted by a part in “The Godfather Part II” and a recurring role as the father of John Stamos’ character in “Full House,” has died at the age of 83, his manager said Sunday.
Aprea died at his Los Angeles home on Aug. 5 from natural causes, his manager Will Levine said.
Levine told City News Service on Sunday that he was “very saddened by the death of Mr. Aprea. He was an incredibly talented actor and wonderful friend.”
Born in New Jersey, Aprea made his film debut in 1968’s “Bullitt,” starring Steve McQueen. His most notable big-screen role was playing the young Salvatore Tessio in “The Godfather Part II,” Francis Ford Coppola’s acclaimed 1974 sequel to 1972’s “The Godfather.”
The character was played as an older man by Abe Vigoda in the first film. Aprea auditioned for the lead role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather,” but the part went to Al Pacino.
Other notable film appearances included “The Stepford Wives” (1975), “New Jack City” (1991), “The Game” (1997) and “The Manchurian Candidate” (2004).
Aprea notched credits on a slew of television shows in the 1970s and ’80s, including “That Girl,” “Mannix,” “Wonder Woman,” “Matt Houston,” “Simon & Simon,” “The A-Team,” “The Fall Guy,” “Falcon Crest” and “Knots Landing.”
His run as Nick Katsopolis, Jesse’s father on ABC’s “Full House,” began in the late 1980s and continued on “Fuller House,” Netflix’s sequel to the original sitcom that ran from 2016-20.
His most recent credit was the 2021 film “Cold.”
“We had lots of laughs,” actor Paul Carafotes wrote about meeting Aprea on the set of “Knots Landing.”
“We met on the set of CBS television show Knots Landing, 1987, over 40 years ago. Many will miss this man! Rest old friend. I’ll see you on the other side.”
Aprea is survived by his wife and partner of 25 years, Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Graci. Services will be private, Levine said.