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Actor John Aprea, who played young Tessio on “The Godfather 2” and John Stamos' father on “Full House,” died on Aug. 5 at the age of 83, his manager Will Levine confirmed to CBS News. Aprea died of natural causes in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones.
Born in 1941 to Italian immigrant parents in Englewood, New Jersey, Aprea moved to New York City in the early 1960s to pursue acting before moving to Los Angeles.
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He got his first break in Steve McQueen's 1967 classic “Bullitt” before landing the role of 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.
Abrea reportedly called actor Abe Vigoda, who played him in the older version of “The Godfather,” and asked for his opinion. Vigoda is said to have told him, “Have a good time, kid.”
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The role was the highlight of his career, Abria said, according to Hollywood Reporter.
Throughout his career, Abrea has appeared in numerous 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 appeared as Stamos' exterminator father Jesse Katsopolis on ABC's “Full House” from 1988 to 1991 and reprised the role in the 2017 Netflix remake “Fuller House.”
He is survived by his third wife, Betsy Garci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage to actress Sherry Latimer, and his adopted children Marika Parker and Valentino Garci.
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