The actor from “The Godfather – Part II” and “Full House” was 83

Photo: Michael Boardman/WireImage

John Aprea, who played the young Tessio in The Godfather – Part II and Uncle Jesse's father in Full house — has died. He was 83. Cause of death: The Hollywood Reporter by his manager, was a natural death. In addition to his roles in two of the greatest American family sagas spanning decades, Aprea appeared in three Jonathan Demme films: Caged Heat, Crazy Mama, and his remake of Candidate of fear. He also played two different characters in soap operas A different world.

Aprea was born in 1941 and met Francis Ford Coppola as a bartender. Aprea had already played several film roles, including a contract killer in Bullitt. He auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone, but lost to Al Pacino. Coppola remembered Aprea during the casting Part II and gave him the role of young Salvatore Tessio. Aprea called Abe Vigoda, who played the character in the first film, to get insight into his character. “I don't know what I did,” Vigoda told him. “Just have fun, kid.”

Aprea played Uncle Jesse’s father, Nick Katsopolis, in both Full house And Fuller house. His strict, paternalistic parenting style contrasted with the “three dads, no anger” attitude of the Tanner-Katsopolos-Gladstone family. Jesse named one of his twins after him.

To Another world, Aprea played the gangster Lucas Castigliano and the shipowner Alexander Nikos. THR, both characters were shot by women. Both characters were also the lover of Felicia Gallant, played by Linda Dano.