Wikipedia

John Aprea

Jonathan Aprea (March 4, 1941 – August 5, 2024) was an American actor. He is known for playing the roles of young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II (1974), Lt. Vince Novelli on Matt Houston (1982 to 1984), Sheriff Jack North on Falcon Crest (1987), Manny Vasquez on Knots Landing (1988), Lucas Castigliano on Another World (1989 to 1992), and Nick Katsopolis on Full House (1988 to 1991) and Fuller House (2017). His other film credits include Bullitt (1968), The Stepford Wives (1975), New Jack City (1991), The Game (1997), and The Manchurian Candidate (2004).

John Aprea
Aprea in 1975
Born
Jonathan Aprea

(1941-03-04)March 4, 1941
Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedAugust 5, 2024(2024-08-05) (aged 83)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1968–2023
Spouse(s)
Cherie Latimer
​
​
(m. 1966; div. 1971)​

Ninon Aprea
​
​
(m. 1987; div. 1998)​

Betsey Graci
​
(m. 2016)​
Children1

Early life

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Aprea was born on March 4, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey,[1] where he was also raised. He graduated in 1959 from Dwight Morrow High School.[2][3] His parents were Italian immigrants who were both from the region of Campania. His father was born in Sorrento and his mother was born in Castellammare di Stabia. While he was growing up, Aprea's family would have Sunday dinners with aunts and uncles who lived in Brooklyn and New Jersey. The family spoke the Neapolitan language.[4]

In high school, Aprea played football as an All Bergen County tackle and linebacker.[5] He worked in a produce store owned by his parents, California Market, located in Englewood.[2] After graduation, he enrolled as a business major at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Aprea decided to leave school when the dean wouldn't let him change his major to political science. He took jobs at gas stations and also worked as a truck driver.[5]

Career

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1960s–1974: Early work

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Aprea always wanted to act, even though he described himself as a shy person. When he was twenty-three, he attended his first audition, after reading an ad in a local newspaper. He met with a man who said that he could have a part in a movie if he paid him a few thousand dollars. Aprea turned down the offer.[4]

He told his sister about his dream to become an actor and she introduced him to television writer Saul Turteltaub. He helped Aprea enroll in acting classes taught by Joshua Shelley, who had worked with Jon Voight, Mia Farrow, and Michael J. Pollard. While attending school, he took night jobs, including working as a doorman at Schrafft's. He was a bartender at the Pub Room at Arthur, a nightclub that was owned by Sybil Christopher and frequented by many celebrities. Aprea eventually decided to leave New York to try other opportunities in Los Angeles.[5]

He made his film debut as 'Dr. Kinner' in Bullitt (1968), co-starring with Steve McQueen.[6] In 1970, he appeared in the films The Grasshopper and The Dark Side of Tomorrow.[7][8] Aprea played Richard in the film Sweet Kill (1972), directed by Curtis Hanson.[9] He guest starred on The F.B.I. in 1973.[10] He also appeared in the film Caged Heat (1974), directed by Jonathan Demme.[11]

1974–1980: The Godfather Part II

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While tending bar at Robert's in Los Angeles, Aprea met Francis Ford Coppola and landed an audition for the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather. The part went to Al Pacino. Coppola eventually cast Aprea as young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II (1974).[5][4] The part of the older Tessio was played by Abe Vigoda. All of Aprea's lines in the film were spoken in Italian. He called working on the movie "the high point" of his career.[12]

In 1975, he appeared as a cop in the film The Stepford Wives.[13] He also played Marvin in the film Crazy Mama, directed again by Jonathan Demme.[14] Aprea had a regular role as Joseph Montefusco on the short-lived NBC comedy series The Montefuscos. He guest starred on The Rookies and Kate McShane.[1]

Aprea played Mack in the television film The Rock Rainbow (1978).[1] He also appeared in the television film A Guide for the Married Woman, co-starring with Cybill Shepherd.[15] In 1979, Aprea guest starred on Wonder Woman, Mrs. Columbo, and A Man Called Sloane.[10][1] He played Mario Vaccari in the film The Idolmaker (1980), directed by Taylor Hackford.[16]

1981–1987: Matt Houston

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He appeared in the television film Crazy Times (1981), co-starring with Ray Liotta.[17] Aprea was cast in a regular role as Albert Anastasia in the NBC miniseries The Gangster Chronicles.[12] In 1982, he played a lawyer in the film Comeback. He guest starred on The Powers of Matthew Star.[1] Aprea was cast as Lt. Vince Novelli on the ABC action series Matt Houston, playing the role from 1982 until 1984.[18] In 1983, he played Ron in the film The Act.[19]

In 1984, Aprea guest starred on Three's a Crowd and Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer.[1][10] He appeared in the television film Getting Physical.[20] In 1985, he guest starred on Hardcastle and McCormick, Simon & Simon, Street Hawk, and The A-Team.[10][1] He played Peter Shefland in the television pilot for the series Stingray.[21]

Aprea played Mr. Tevere in the film American Anthem (1986).[22] He guest starred on Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Fall Guy.[10] In 1987, Aprea played Frank in the television film Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife, co-starring with Melissa Gilbert.[23] He had a recurring role as Sheriff Jack North on the CBS series Falcon Crest.[5][24]

1988–1993: Another World

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Aprea played Salazar in the action film Picasso Trigger (1988).[12][25] He guest starred on Tales from the Darkside.[1] He had a recurring role as Manny Vasquez on the CBS series Knots Landing.[24][26] Aprea received a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Villain - Prime Time for his work on Knots Landing.[5]

From 1988 to 1989, he played the recurring role of Nick Katsopolis, the father of Jesse (John Stamos), on the ABC sitcom Full House. He also appeared on the show in 1991.[10][27] Aprea played Captain Andreas in the action film Savage Beach (1989).[28] He guest starred on Father Dowling Mysteries and Night Court.[10] In 1989, Aprea was cast on the NBC soap opera Another World, playing Lucas Castigliano. The character of Lucas was paired with Felicia Gallant (Linda Dano).[29][24] He had previously worked with Dano when they played siblings on The Montefuscos.[5]

Aprea played Don Armeteo in the film New Jack City (1991), directed by Mario Van Peebles.[30] In 1992, he left Another World when his contract came to an end. The character of Lucas was killed off.[31][32] In 1993, Aprea guest starred on The Hat Squad, Dark Justice, Melrose Place, Saved by the Bell: The New Class, and Silk Stalkings.[10][1][24]

1994–2024

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He played Senator Dilly in the science fiction film CyberTracker (1994).[33] He also appeared in the action film Direct Hit.[34] From 1994 to 1995, Aprea guest starred on Heaven Help Us, Renegade, and Silk Stalkings.[1][10] He played Philly Bambino in the action film To the Limit (1995), co-starring with Anna Nicole Smith.[35] Aprea played Dominic in the film Sunset Park (1996).[36]

He appeared in the film The Game (1997), directed by David Fincher.[37] He also appeared in the films My Brother Jack, Deadly Ransom, and Dead Man on Campus.[1] Aprea returned to Another World, playing a new character, Alexander Nikos, from 1997 to 1998.[31] From 1998 to 2000, he guest starred on Vengeance Unlimited, Pacific Blue, The Sopranos, and The District.[10][1]

Aprea played Mafia Boss Geppetti in the film Brother (2000).[38] From 2001 to 2002, he had a recurring role on Philly.[10] He appeared in the film The Streetsweeper (2002).[39] In 2004, Aprea played Rear Admiral Glick in the film The Manchurian Candidate, co-starring with Denzel Washington and directed by Jonathan Demme.[40] He guest starred on NYPD Blue in 2005.[10] He played Mark McPhillips in the television film Mystery Woman: At First Sight (2006).[41]

From 2009 to 2010, Aprea guest starred on Cold Case and Lie to Me.[10] He played Sollie in the film Dirty People (2012).[42] He guest starred on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in 2013.[43] He also played Jerry Masselin in the film After You.[44] Aprea starred as Mike Esposito in the film Sharkskin (2015).[45][46] He played Angelo in the film Stevie D (2016).[47] In 2017, he guest starred as Nick Katsopolis on Fuller House, a revival of Full House.[27] Aprea appeared in the film Lost Angelas (2019).[48] From 2020 to 2023, he had a recurring role on The Bay.[49][50]

Personal life and death

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In the late 1960s, Aprea married actress Cherie Latimer. They later divorced.[1]

He married actress Ninon Aprea (then known as Ninon Zenovich) on December 31, 1987. Their daughter was born in 1989.[5] They divorced in October 1998,[1] and Aprea later married Betsey Graci.[51][52]

Aprea died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on August 5, 2024, at the age of 83.[51][52]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1968 Bullitt Killer
1970 The Grasshopper The Ice Pack
The Dark Side of Tomorrow Jim Jeffers
1972 Sweet Kill Richard
1973 The Seven-Ups Killer Uncredited
1974 Caged Heat Dream Man
The Godfather Part II Young Salvatore Tessio
1975 The Stepford Wives Young Cop
Crazy Mama Marvin
1980 The Idolmaker Mario Vaccari
1982 Comeback Lawyer
1983 The Act Ron
1986 American Anthem Mr. Tevere
1988 Picasso Trigger Salazar
1989 Savage Beach Captain Andreas
1991 New Jack City Don Armeteo
1992 Confessions of a Male Prostitute Nick Short film
1994 Direct Hit Terry Daniels Video
CyberTracker Senator Dilly
1995 To the Limit Philly Bambino
1996 Sunset Park Dominic
1997 The Game Power Executive
My Brother Jack Barry Freed
1998 Deadly Ransom Mr. Merlin
Dead Man on Campus Mr. Frederickson
2000 Brother Mafia Boss Geppetti
2002 The Streetsweeper
2004 The Manchurian Candidate Rear Admiral Glick
2012 Dirty People Sollie
2013 After You Jerry Masselin
2014 Snapshot Joseph Simmons
2015 Sharkskin Mike Esposito
2016 Stevie D Angelo DiMarco
2017 Dark Image Alex Ricci
2019 Lost Angelas Senator John Russell
Space Junk Dad Short film
2021 Cold Daniel Woods

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1969 That Girl Frank Episode: "Shake Hands and Come Out Acting"
1970 Mannix Thug Episode: "Murder Revisited" (Uncredited)
1973 The F.B.I. 1st Thug Episode: "Night of the Long Knives"
1975 The Montefuscos Joseph Montefusco Main role
Kate McShane Episode: "God at $15,732 a Year"
The Rookies Phil Richards Episode: "Shadow of a Man"
1978 The Rock Rainbow Mack Television film
A Guide for the Married Woman Waiter
Fix-It City Joey Bellino
1979 Wonder Woman Dupris Episode: "The Man Who Could Not Die"
Mrs. Columbo Phil Stoppard Episode: "Ladies of the Afternoon"
A Man Called Sloane Harry Helms Episode: "Architect of Evil"
1981 Crazy Times Ralph Television film
The Gangster Chronicles Albert Anastasia Miniseries
1982 The Powers of Matthew Star Howard Crawford Episode: "The Accused"
1982–1984 Matt Houston Lt. Vince Novelli Main role
1984 Getting Physical Craig Cawley Television film
Three's a Crowd Armando Episode: "Maternal Triangle"
Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer Matt Rainey Episode: "Catfight"
1985 Hardcastle and McCormick Episode: "What's So Funny?"
Simon & Simon Sidney Gretchen Episode: "The Mickey Mouse Mob"
Street Hawk Dumos Episode: "Follow the Yellow Gold Road"
Stingray Peter Shefland Television film (pilot)
The A-Team Woody Stone Episode: "There Goes the Neighborhood"
1986 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Fisher Episode: "A Very Happy Ending"
The Fall Guy Joe Bradley Episode: "I Now Pronounce You...Dead"
1987 Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife Frank Television film
Private Eye Larry Robbins Episode: "Blue Movie"
Falcon Crest Sheriff Jack North Recurring role
1988 Tales from the Darkside Lee Episode: "Going Native"
Knots Landing Manny Vasquez Recurring role
1988–1989 & 1991 Full House Nick Katsopolis
1989 Father Dowling Mysteries Peter Luciani Episodes: "The Mafia Priest Mystery Part 1 & Part 2"
Night Court Marty Cologne Episode: "From Snoop to Nuts Part 1"
1989–1992 & 1997–1998 Another World Lucas Castigliano/Alexander Nikos Contract role
1993 The Hat Squad Stevenson Episode: "Dead Man Walking"
Dark Justice Episode: "Clean Kill"
Melrose Place John Bryant Episode: "Of Bikes and Men"
Saved by the Bell: The New Class Mr. De Luca Episode: "Tommy A"
1993 & 1995 Silk Stalkings Ross Simon/Frank Danner Episodes: "Daddy Dearest" & "Friendly Persuasion"
1994 Heaven Help Us Det. Walker Episode: "Stepping Out"
1995 Renegade Vino Borelli Episode: "Den of Thieves"
1998 Vengeance Unlimited Episode: "Ambition"
1999 Pacific Blue Sonny Sorrento Episode: "Thicker Than Water"
The Sopranos U.S. Attorney Episode: "I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano"
1999 & 2012 Days of Our Lives Arthur/Dr. Bryce Recurring role
2000 The District Chief of Detectives Episode: "Dirty Laundry"
2001–2002 Philly Victor Tommasino Episodes: "Blown Away" & "San Diego Padre"
2005 NYPD Blue Owen Munson Episode: "Old Man Quiver"
2006 Mystery Woman: At First Sight Mark McPhillips Television film
2007 American Heiress Lionel Wakefield Main role
2009 Cold Case Paul Romano '09 Episode: "Libertyville"
2010 Lie to Me Victor Musso Episode: "The Whole Truth"
2011 The Christmas Pageant Herb Television film
2012 Interglobal Trading Fund Howard Short
2013 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Pit Boss Episode: "Take the Money and Run"
2016–2017 Decker General Cotter/General Cotter Clone Recurring role
2017 Drive Share Frank's Dad Episode: "Balls Deep"
Fuller House Nick Katsopolis Episode: "Wedding or Not Here We Come"
2020–2023 The Bay Jack Madison Recurring role

References

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  3. ^ Coutros, Evonne. "Television News and Notes", The Record, May 21, 1997. Accessed August 1, 2024, via ProQuest. "Aprea, now living in Englewood, where he was raised and graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in 1959, played Lucas on Another World from 1989 to 1992."
  4. ^ a b c "Life and career of John Aprea, "napoletano d'America"". italoamericano.org. February 11, 2016. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
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  49. ^ Silver, Carly (September 6, 2022). "Peacock-Bound The Bay Celebrates 100 Episodes". Daytime Confidential. Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
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  51. ^ a b Barnes, Mike (August 18, 2024). "John Aprea, Actor in 'The Godfather Part II' and 'Full House,' Dies at 83". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 18, 2024. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
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