Remembering John Aprea: A versatile actor’s journey through cinema and TV
John Aprea, a name synonymous with memorable roles in both cinema and television, passed away on Monday in Los Angeles at the age of 83. His manager, Will Levine, confirmed that Aprea died of natural causes. Born in 1941 to Italian immigrants in Englewood, New Jersey, Aprea’s life was a tapestry of rich experiences and diverse roles that left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Early life and the pursuit of acting
Aprea’s early years were split between Italy and the United States, a duality that perhaps enriched his cultural perspective and acting depth. In the early 1960s, he moved to New York to chase his passion for acting. He enrolled in Joshua Shelley’s acting classes, where he shared the classroom with future stars like Mia Farrow and Jon Voight. His dedication paid off when he landed a role in the 1968 Steve McQueen classic, Bullitt, playing the character Killer.
Breakthrough roles and early career
Following his debut, Aprea found steady work in the 1970s. He appeared in TV series like “Mannix” and films such as The Grasshopper and Jonathan Demme’s Caged Heat. However, it was his role as the young Tessio in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II that truly catapulted him into the limelight. Before taking on the role, Aprea sought advice from Abe Vigoda, who played the older Tessio in the first film. Vigoda’s simple yet profound advice, “I don’t know what I did. Just have a good time, kid,” became a guiding principle for Aprea throughout his career.
Television success and iconic roles
Aprea’s career continued to flourish with a lead role in the 1975 comedy TV series “The Montefuscos,” which centered around the weekly Sunday dinners of an Italian-American family in Connecticut. He then played a significant role in Taylor Hackford’s debut film, The Idolmaker, as the brother of Ray Sharkey’s character.
From 1981 to 1987, Aprea was a regular on the ABC series “Matt Houston,” portraying Lt. Vince Novelli. He later returned to New York City to join the soap opera “Another World,” where he played Lucas Castigliano for six years. His performance earned him a “Soap Opera Digest” award nomination for outstanding villain in a prime-time series for his role on “Knots Landing.”
Later career and enduring legacy
Aprea’s versatility was further showcased when he played the father of John Stamos’ character, Uncle Jesse, on “Full House” and reprised this role for the Netflix reboot. He continued to work late into his career, appearing in films like New Jack City and TV shows such as “NYPD Blue,” “CSI,” and “The Sopranos.”
Personal reflections and final farewell
John Aprea’s life was a testament to his passion for acting and his ability to adapt to various roles across different genres. His journey from a young boy in Englewood to a celebrated actor in Hollywood is inspiring. Aprea was predeceased by his sister, Rosanna Sole. He is survived by his wife and partner of 25 years, Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and his stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Graci. A private service will be held to honor his life.
John Aprea’s legacy will continue to live on through his extensive body of work, which has touched the hearts of many cinema and TV enthusiasts. His roles, whether in iconic films or beloved TV series, will remain etched in the annals of entertainment history.