John Aprea, known for his role as young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in “The Godfather Part II” and as John Stamos’ father on “Full House,” passed away on August 5 at the age of 83. His manager, Will Levine, confirmed that he died of natural causes in Los Angeles, surrounded by family.
Born in 1941 to Italian immigrants in Englewood, New Jersey, Aprea moved to New York City in the early 1960s to pursue an acting career before eventually relocating to Los Angeles. He received his first significant role in the 1967 film “Bullitt,” starring Steve McQueen, and later portrayed young Tessio in “The Godfather Part II.” Aprea had originally auditioned for the lead role of Michael Corleone in the first “Godfather” film, which ultimately went to Al Pacino.
According to reports, Aprea sought advice from Abe Vigoda, who played the older Tessio, before filming. Vigoda advised him to enjoy the experience. Aprea considered the role a peak moment in his career, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Over the course of his career, Aprea featured in various television shows and films, including “The Montefuscos,” “The Idolmaker,” and “Matt Houston.” He also had roles in popular series such as “Mannix,” “The Rookies,” “NYPD Blue,” and appeared in the films “The Stepford Wives,” “American Anthem,” and “The Game.”
From 1988 to 1991, he played the exterminator father of Stamos’ character Jesse Katsopolis on ABC’s “Full House,” and he reprised this role for the 2017 Netflix series “Fuller House.”
Aprea is survived by his third wife, Betsy Garci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage to actress Cherie Latimer, and his stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Garci.