John Aprea, who played young Tessio in “The Godfather Part 2” and John Stamos’ father on “Full House,” died Aug. 5 at age 83, his manager Will Levin confirmed to CBS News. He died of natural causes in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones.
Aprea was born in Englewood, New Jersey, in 1941 to Italian immigrants. He moved to New York City in the early 1960s to pursue acting, and then to Los Angeles.
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He got his first break in 1967 in Steve McQueen’s classic “Bullitt” and played the young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in “The Godfather Part II.” He originally auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather,” but the role went to Al Pacino.
Aprea reportedly called actor Abe Vigoda, who played an older version of his character in “The Godfather,” to ask for insight. Vigoda reportedly told him, “Just have fun, kid.”
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Aprea said the role was the most important of his career.
Aprea has appeared in several TV shows and movies throughout his career, including “The Montefuscos,” “The Idolmaker,” and “Matt Houston.” His resume also includes roles in “Mannix,” “The Rookies,” “NYPD Blue,” “The Stepford Wives,” “American Anthem,” and “The Game.”
Aprea reprised his role as Stamos’ Jesse Katzopolis’s pesticide dad on ABC’s “Full House” from 1988 to 1991, and reprised the role in the 2017 Netflix reboot “Fuller House.”
He is survived by his third wife, Bessie Garci, his daughter Nicole from his previous marriage to actress Cherry Latimer, and stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Garci.
