John Aprea, who played the young Tessio in “The Godfather Part II” and John Stamos’ father in “Full House,” died on August 5 at the age of 83, his manager Will Levine confirmed to CBS News. He died of natural causes in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones.
Aprea was born in 1941 to Italian immigrants in Englewood, New Jersey. He moved to New York City in the early 1960s to pursue acting before moving to Los Angeles.
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His first chance came in the 1967 Steve McQueen classic “Bullitt,” followed by the role of the young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in “The Godfather Part II.” He had originally auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather,” but Al Pacino got the part.
Aprea reportedly called actor Abe Vigoda, who played the older version of his character in “The Godfather,” and asked for his insight. Vigoda reportedly told him to “just have a good time, kid.”
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Aprea said the role was a highlight of his career.
Throughout his career, Aprea has appeared in several television shows and films, 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 played Jesse Katsopolis’ (Stamos) destructive father on the ABC series “Full House” from 1988 to 1991 and reprised the role in the 2017 Netflix reboot “Fuller House.”
He is survived by his third wife Betsy Garci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage to actress Cherie Latimer, and stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Garci.
