The Godfather Part II star John Aprea passes away at age 83

John Aprea, known for his role in The Godfather Part II, died on August 5, 2024, at the age of 83 years. It was announced by his manager, Will Levine on his Facebook account. While announcing the demise of the actor due to natural death, his managers wrote:

“Sad to report the passing of longtime client and friend, John Aprea... Wonderfully talented journeyman actor loved by all.”

Will also confirmed the demise of John to Entertainment Weekly on August 18, which reported that the actor died "surrounded by his loved ones." John Aprea started his acting journey in Bullitt (1968), followed by several films including films The Grasshopper and The Dark Side of Tomorrow.

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Who was John Aprea?

John Aprea was an American actor born on March 4, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey, and died on August 5, 2024 at the age of 83. His parents were Italian immigrants and belonged to Campagna, with his father born in Sorrento and his mother in Castellammare di Stabia. The family used to speak the Neapolitan language.

John did his schooling at Dwight Morrow High School and graduated in 1959. During his time at the high school, John used to play football as an All-Bergen County tackle and linebacker.

After John graduated, he got into Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania to continue his major in business, but he left the university when he wasn’t allowed to change his major from business to political science.

He used to work at the departmental store of his parents which was situated in California Market, in Englewood. Not only this but John Aprea also worked at a gas station and as a truck driver during his struggle period.

John married Cherie Latimer in the 1960s but the couple got divorced later, followed by another marriage to actress Ninon Zenovich Aprea on December 31, 1987.

The couple was blessed with a daughter in 1989, but nearly a decade after that, they also got divorced in October 1998. Lastly, he married Betsey Graci and spent 25 years together until John died in 2024.

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The acting journey of John Aprea

John Aprea always wanted to pursue his interest in acting even though he claimed to be a shy person. At the age of 23, he went through his first audition following a newspaper ad but nearly escaped from getting scammed by someone who told him that he could work in films if he paid some thousand dollars to that guy.

However, John turned down the offer and went to his sister about his dream. His sister introduced John to television writer Saul Turtelaub who got him enrolled in an acting class of Joshua Shelley.

With his acting debut in 1968, John soon gained fame with his roles as Richard in the film Sweet Kill (1972), directed by Curtis Hanson. He played the role of young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II (1974), Lt. Vince Novelli in Matt Houston (1982 to 1984), and Sheriff Jack North in Falcon Crest (1987).

He further acted as Manny Vasquez in Knots Landing (1988), Lucas Castigliano in Another World (1989 to 1992), and Nick Katsopolis in Full House (1988 to 1991). His other film roles include The Stepford Wives (1975), New Jack City (1991), The Game (1997), and The Manchurian Candidate (2004).