It is with great sadness that ComingSoon.net must report (via Deadline) that beloved character actor Danny Aiello has passed away from a sudden illness at age 86. He was perhaps best known for his Oscar-nominated role in Spike Lee’s landmark 1989 film Do the Right Thing.
With over 100 credits to his name, Aiello made his film debut in the 1973 baseball drama Bang the Drum Slowly opposite Robert De Niro. The next year he appeared in another De Niro film, The Godfather Part II, where he improvised the famous line “Michael Corleone says hello!” during a gangland hit. Other notable roles included The Front (1976), Fingers (1978), Fort Apache the Bronx (1981), again with De Niro in Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Broadway Danny Rose (1984), opposite Jackie Chan in The Protector (1985), The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), Radio Days (1987) and Moonstruck (1987). In 1986 he famously played Madonna’s father in her “Papa Don’t Preach” music video, and then recorded a tongue-in-cheek answer song “Papa Wants the Best for You.”
He was elevated to a new level with his acclaimed performance as volatile Brooklyn pizzeria owner Sal in Do the Right Thing, a role originally written for De Niro. Following this success he started to take on bigger roles and earn bigger paychecks for films like Jacob’s Ladder (1990), Once Around (1991), Hudson Hawk (1991), the lead role of Jack Ruby in Ruby (1992), The Professional (1994), 2 Days in the Valley (1996) and the lead in the hit CBS miniseries The Last Don.
Aiello is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sandy, and his four children.
Goodbye Dear #DannyAiello
Danny was a Great Actor, But a
Genius Comedic Actor.We Laughed so much. Making #Moonstruck ..It was one of the happiest times in my life,& He Was apart of that Happy time.
Goodbye #JohnnyCammareri
Loretta— Cher (@cher) December 13, 2019
Sad to hear that Danny Aiello passed away. Before his Oscar nod in Do the Right Thing, he played my dad for many months in the Broadway comedy GEMINI. Here he is giving me a very memorable hairy eyeball as I sulk at the other end of the dinner table. RIP Danny. pic.twitter.com/pL4gQj6PJM
— Robert Picardo (@RobertPicardo) December 13, 2019
I would like to thank all of those sending their condolences on the passing of my uncle, Danny Aiello. He was a terrific man, self made, coming from nothing to be an Academy Award nominated actor. He loved his family dearly, adored his wife of 64 years, my Aunt Sandy.
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) December 13, 2019
Literally one of my favorites & such a nice guy. He inspired Me so much.#DannyAiello pic.twitter.com/TSgEErmi9q
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) December 13, 2019
Danny Aiello was memorable in the Madonna video where he played the Papa who was asked not to preach pic.twitter.com/A15GKqIREG
— Jesse Hawken (@jessehawken) December 13, 2019
I always thought Danny Aiello was perfect casting for JACOB’S LADDER, because he really did look like an angel, like an overgrown cherub.
“You’re a lifesaver, Louie.” “Yeah, I know.” pic.twitter.com/xAX4fsKipi
— Meredith Borders (@xymarla) December 13, 2019
Danny Aiello’s performance in DO THE RIGHT THING is an all-time great one. He was unafraid to take Sal to places even Danny himself didn’t want to go. He should have gotten an Oscar. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/Vc2hycPaQI
— AlanWCerny (@AlanWCerny) December 13, 2019
Family statement: “It is with profound sorrow to report that Danny Aiello, beloved husband, father, grandfather, actor and musician passed away last night after a brief illness. The family asks for privacy at this time. Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.” RIP pic.twitter.com/IejzPeAQzJ
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) December 13, 2019
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
