He was 86. Lets see. Education [22], Aiello appeared on the Broadway stage many times throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Danny also appeared in Madonna's music video for Papa Don't Preach. Dec. 13, 2019. Aiello is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sandy Cohen and their four children. Sad loss: Do The Right Thing actor Rick Aiello has died at age 65 after a year-and-a-half battle with pancreatic cancer. Age at Death: 86. "Ricky was a wonderful father, husband and a good friend to so many people," his wife, Arlene Urichich, said in the statement. In 1990 he was nominated for a Best Supporting Oscar for his role in Do The Right Thing. Aiello is survived by his wife, Sandy Cohen and their four children. I've played gangsters, teachers but most of my work has been in the police area. Singing had been his first love, and hed just recorded an album. I said, Im not an actor,' Aiello recalled. Actor. At 17, he left James Monroe High School to enlist in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Danny Aiello, a prolific actor who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as pizzeria owner Sal in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing," has died, a family representative confirmed Friday to CNN. Birthday: June 20, 1933. Aiello was married to his wife, Sandy, for more than 60 years. Mr. Aiello, second from left, with Spike Lee, far left, Richard Edson and John Turturro in a scene from Do the Right Thing (1989). After that, he had various blue-collar jobs around New York until breaking into acting. Aiello played Biggie, a pop singer from Hoboken, New Jersey, in La RussosLampost Reunion, and he and it went fromconverted churchesto Broadway in 1975, when it earned a Tony nomination for best play and the actor a Theatre World award. Danny Aiello and His Two Sons died back to back adding to the pattern of Three as in Three Fates. Danny Aiello III, Rick's brother, was a stuntman and died of pancreatic cancer in 2010 at the age of 53. Mr. Aiello never claimed to have inspired the signature line in Taxi Driver (1976), but, according to his 2014 memoir, I Only Know Who I Am When I Am Somebody Else, he could have. 0:34. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Actor: Do the Right Thing. December 13, 2019 7:45am. [17] The role earned him nominations for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor Motion Picture and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, while the film critics' associations of Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles each named him best supporting actor.[18]. Academy Award nominee Danny Aiello has died at the age of 86. Reports have said he was dealing with an infection related to an injection site and died shortly after his family left following a visit, according to TMZ. HOLLYWOOD actor Danny Aiello has died at the age of 86. He was 86. His literary agent Jennifer De Chiara told USA Today: "The world has lost one of its greatest actors . He was 86. Goodbye Johnny Cammareri. The couple had four children: sons Rick, Danny III and Jaime and daughter Stacey. His family said with "profound sorrow" in a statement that he died after a short illness, reports bbc.com. Aiello and EMI songwriter Hasan Johnson released an album of standards fused with rap entitled Bridges in 2011. The Warning Signs of the Curse of Hekate are Irony Serendipity and Coincidence. Danny used his singing talents in Broadway, creating dazzling performances in the Gemini and The House of Blue Leaves. Danny, We Made Cinema History Together With DO THE RIGHT THING. Danny Aiello Photofest. Actor Danny Aiello is photographed . According to his family Danny passed away at a medical facility in New Jersey where he was being treated for a sudden illness. The cause was pancreatic cancer, said a sister-in-law, Debbra Aiello. Danny, known as Junior until adulthood, grew up on West 68th Street, before gentrification, and then in the South Bronx. Aiello said, Ive been so many damn things. At the age of 16 he lied about his age in order to join the US Army. In a similar vein, he battled with Paul Newman inFort Apache the Bronx(1981), portraying a crooked cop who tosses a kid off a roof. Im the only Italian American in the country that hasnt been in his pictures.. [7][8], In the 1960s, Aiello served as president of New York Local 1202 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, representing Greyhound Bus workers. It was one of the happiest times in my life and he was a part of that happy time.. The film and TV star, known for starring in Do The Right Thing and The Soporanos, passed away at . Danny Aiello, the burly New York-born film and stage actor who was 40 when he made his movie debut and 16 years later earned an Academy Award nomination for his role as a pizzeria owner in Spike Lees Do the Right Thing, died on Thursday. 0:00. He also appeared as himself in Home for the Holidays, a songs-and-stories revue that had a limited run during the 2017 Christmas season. Aiello was born in Manhattan, New York City on June 20, 1933. I was married with a family to feed.. Daniel Louis Aiello Jr. was born June 20, 1933, to Italian parents. A USC graduate, she joined the Los Angeles Times in 2003 and has 30 years of journalism experience in Southern California. A family drama tells the true story of a Sheepshead Bay seafood firm under threat", "Danny Aiello Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB", "The House of Blue Leaves - 1986 Broadway Tickets, News, Info, Photos, Videos", "THEATER REVIEW; Is She a Serious Actress? me . "This is my pizzeria!" [13], Aiello had a co-lead role with Jan-Michael Vincent in Defiance (1980), about some Manhattan residents who fight back against the thugs terrorizing the neighborhood. Rick died on Monday . He also has a role in The Black Caesar as Vito Lanza, due to be released in 2020. Anyone can read what you share. His father, a laborer, left the family of seven children, and Daniel started working at age 9 selling newspapers, working in a grocery store and bowling alley, shining shoes and loading trucks. The ambitious Aiello rose to become president of the transit union. Fingerhut remembers A veteran of stage and film, Aiello was best known for playing the pizza parlour owner Sal in Spike Lee's 1989 Do the Right Thing. He started his acting career on the New York stage and didnt make his movie debut until he was 40. Aiello told The New Yorker in 2014 about his feelings on the movie, I didnt realize Do the Right Thing was a political thriller when we were making it. He battled the disease for over a year and a half. Danny Aiello 1933 - 2019. Aiellos new memoir is titled I Only Know Who I Am When I Am Somebody Else. Watch the full interview on charlierose.com. In honor of Danny Aiello's incredible life we look back on his career, achievements, family and death. Danny Aiello starred in the 1992 film "Ruby." (Snap/Shutterstock) NEW JERSEY - Veteran actor and longtime New Jersey resident Danny Aiello, who starred in films such as "Moonstruck" and "Do the . In 1967, he presided over an unsanctioned wildcat strike when the company changed bus driver schedules. Danny, who starred in Do The Right Thing and The Godfather III, is survived by four children and his wife Sandy, to whom he was married since 1955. His rep Tracey Miller told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died Thursday night after a brief illness in a medical facility close to his home in New Jersey. Aiellos nephew was ESPN radio personality Michael Kays uncle. The actor, best known for his role as . He served for three years before returning to New York to work as a nightclub bouncer. First published on December 13, 2019 / 11:10 AM. Get breaking news alerts in the FOX5NY News app. [18][33], Many in the entertainment industry voiced their sadness either on Twitter or released statements, such as his Moonstruck co-star Cher, and Robert De Niro, who starred alongside Aiello in four films: Bang the Drum Slowly (1973), The Godfather Part II (1974), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), and Mistress (1992). [20], Aiello's singing was on display in films such as Hudson Hawk (1991), Once Around (1991), and Remedy (2005) that starred his son Ricky Aiello and Jonathan Doscher. [28] He later moved to Saddle River, New Jersey. No other details were provided. He was 63. Never from people; it was always going into places with vending machines, cigarette machines. Dec. 13, 2019 8:16 AM PT. A late bloomer, he didnt get his union card until he was in his 40s. "I've seen people killed, knifed. It gives me a reason to keep living. He appeared in three plays by Louis La Russo II: Lamppost Reunion (his Broadway debut - 1975), Wheelbarrow Closers (1976), and Knockout (1979). His mother worked as a seamstress, an envelope stuffer and a toy-factory supervisor. He gained recognition as the befuddled fianc of Cher opposite her Oscar-winning performance in the romantic comedy Moonstruck (1987), and made a comic appearance in drag for the Robert Altman fashion-industry film Prt--Porter (1994). Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Aiello died at a New Jersey medical facility while undergoing treatment for a sudden illness, TMZ reports. [23], In 1981, Aiello starred in Woody Allen's play The Floating Light Bulb alongside Beatrice Arthur. The Bronx . [12], Aiello broke into films in the early 1970s. View our online Press Pack. For many years, Aiello publicly condemned his father, but the two reconciled in 1993, although Aiello harbored a . Danny, fr 0:00. Find where to watch Danny Aiello's latest movies and tv shows He also starred in The House of Blue Leaves (1986) alongside John Mahoney (who earned a Tony Award for his performance), Ben Stiller, Stockard Channing, and Julie Hagerty[25], In 2002, Aiello starred in Elaine May's comedic play, Adult Entertainment alongside May's daughter, Jeannie Berlin. He was 86. His father, a laborer, left the family of seven children, and Daniel started working at age 9 selling newspapers, working in a . A memorable character actor on both stage and screen, Mr. Aiello won an Academy Award nomination for his role in Spike Lees 1989 film. Born on June 20, 1933, Danny was the fifth of six children to a seamstress mum and labourer dad. Aiello was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Salvatore "Sal" Frangione in the Spike Lee film Do the Right Thing (1989). Their fourth, son Danny Aiello III, died in 2010 of pancreatic cancer. Aiellos son, Rick, also appears in the movie as a cop who is involving in the killing of Radio Raheem at the films climax. Approximately 10% of pancreatic cancer . Me . / CBS/AP. Once he got arrested for stealing a chocolate bar from Woolworths and was taken to the 41st Precinct police station (that would be Fort Apache). Danny Aiello was born on June 20, 1933 in Manhattan, New York, USA, to parents Daniel Louis Aiello, Sr. and Frances. Spike said that the American public knew that we were telling the truth. His first film role was in the baseball drama Bang the Drum Slowly (1973), with the young Robert De Niro. Mini Bio (1) Danny Aiello was an American actor of Italian descent, and enjoyed a lengthy career in film. Danny Aiello was an American actor of Italian descent, and enjoyed a lengthy career in film. Danny died in New Jersey where he was being . He studied at James Monroe High School. By Paul Farrell. He went on to play Mia Farrows short-tempered husband in The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) and a Mafia hit man in Radio Days (1987), both of which were directed by Mr. Allen. TMZ reported on July 27, that Rick had died at the age of 65 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He also played Madonna's father in the 1986 video for Papa Don't Preach. Danny Aiello III's father, Danny Aiello, died on December 12, 2019 as he was 86 years old. He also appeared in TV miniseries, including "The Last Don," "A Woman Named Jackie" and in the 1985-86 police series "Lady Blue.". In 2016, Newsmax named Aiello as one of the 50 most influential conservatives in Hollywood. "The family asks for privacy at this time," she said in a statement. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser. In 1990 he was nominated for a Best Supporting Oscar for his role in Do The Right Thing. His film career took off in the early 1970s. The role . He is survived by his three children, and wife Sandy, whom he has stayed with since 1955. Danny Aiello, a character actor best known for his work in such films as "Do the Right Thing" and "Moonstruck," died on Thursday night in New Jersey. Danny III died in 2010 of pancreatic cancer. He then starred in the next two La Russo efforts, 1976sWheelbarrow Closersand 1979sKnockout(as a boxer); both played on Broadway as well. Danny Aiello was born on June 20, 1933 and died on December 12, 2019. Im not happy doing that, so I turned it down. A memorial service that is open to the public will be held at New York Citys Riverside Memorial Chapel on Dec. 19. In addition, Aiello tries to frame Corleone for the crime. He was 86. (Aiello said he pulled some strings to help Kay get a job with theNew York Postyears ago.). Emmy winner and 'As The World Turns' star dead at 89. The two had starred in Norman Jewison's hit comedy "Moonstruck" and she called it "one of the happiest times in my life." Im interested in the relationships between the characters, not just my own stuff.. Death. He worked at one job after another, and in 1970 was hired as a bouncer at the New York comedy club Improvisation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You know what I do backstage? he said. Just Found Out My Brother DANNY AIELLO Made His Transition Last Night. The actor Danny Aiello in 2001. The Obie, incidentally, came in 1977 for his off-Broadway performance in the play Gemini, and the Daytime Emmy for an ABC Afterschool Special. He took a crack at starring in a TV series, playing a cop-turned-private eye, but CBSDellaventuralasted just 14 episodes in 1997-98. May You Rest In PARADISE, Lee said in one of a number of tribute posts Friday morning. "I was very hungry. 2) Kosuke Fujishima. . According to his mother, Sandy, he passed away Monday night surrounded by loved ones at a hospital in Warwick, New Jersey. In 1981, Aiello won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in Children's Programming for his appearance in an ABC Afterschool Special called A Family of Strangers. The actor married Sandy Cohen in 1955. . 1. He also played Madonnas dad in the 1986 music video for Papa Dont Preach, directed by James Foley. The couple had four children: Jamie, Rick, Stacey, and stuntman/actor Danny Aiello III who died in 2010 after suffering from . Spike has said that I tried to make Sal lovable, which isnt true.. Early life. Oscar-nominated actor Danny Aiello, known for roles in movies like "Moonstruck," "Do The Right Thing" and "The Godfather Part II," has died at the age of 86, according to his literary . Aiellos first major role was as the gangster Tony Rosato in The Godfather Part II. In a brief but key scene in the movie, Aiello attempts to kill Frank Pentangeli, an associate of Michael Corleones. A service for the popular actor is set for 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Riverside Memorial Chapel at 180 W. 76th St. in Manhattan. 9 on the Billboard jazz chart. He later starred in the independent feature film Dolly Baby (2012), written and directed by Kevin Jordan; Aiello also starred in Jordan's Brooklyn Lobster, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2005. He released several albums with a big band sound including "Live from Atlantic City" in 2008. I dont think the public knows shit about anything. [16], Aiello played the pizzeria owner Sal in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing (1989). Aiello had made his film debut as the ballplayer nicknamed Horse inBang the Drum Slowly(1973) he said he taught co-star Robert De Niro a thing or two about how to throw a baseball andThe Godfathersequel marked only his second appearance on the big screen. Aiello died on December 12, 2019, at the age of 86, in a hospital in New Jersey, after a brief illness. I've got scars on my face. Danny, from Manhattan, New York, was known for his roles in Do The Right Thing and The Godfather Part II. He was the father of stuntman and actor Danny Aiello III, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2010. 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Movie Merch to Shop Right Now, Midges Retro Tupperware Is On Sale to Celebrate the Final Season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Best Designer iPhone Cases to Showcase Your Luxury Style for Less, Hollywood Plastic Surgeons Confront the Rise of Ozempic Body, Brad Pitt and the Bizarre Charity Mess Thats Left Katrina Victims Stranded Again, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. His performance brought him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. He released several albums featuring a big-band including I Just Wanted to Hear The Words (2004), Live from Atlantic City (2008), and My Christmas Song for You (2010). He eventually ran for president of Local 1202 of the Amalgamated Transit Union and won, but he was fired after a wildcat strike by employees. Aiello died of pancreatic cancer, age 53, in Hillsdale, New Jersey, on May 1, 2010. A child of New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Aiello retained the pugnacity he learned on city streets. When the play finally made it to Broadway, in 1975, he was back in the role. USA TODAY. Aiello suffered from eczema as a child and wore gloves in school and to bed so he wouldnt bleed from scratching. CNN . After the service, Aiello landed a job in 1957 as a package handler with Greyhound, then became the public-address announcer at the bus terminal on 50th Street in Manhattan. After three years in the service, he worked at several factory jobs, landing as a baggage man at Greyhound. [15] He played a main role in the 1985-86 television series Lady Blue. Danny Aiello, a veteran stage and film actor remembered for his roles in Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing and Woody Allen's The Purple Rose of Cairo, has died at a New Jersey medical center at age 86. He started his onscreen career with Italian American sagas like "The Godfather: Part II" and "Once Upon A Time In America . Born Daniel Louis Aiello Jr., he worked at both Greyhound Bus Company and as a nightclub bouncer before getting into acting. drama. Danny was 86 years old at the time of death. A playwright patron from Hoboken, N.J., Louis La Russo, persuaded Mr. Aiello to be in a showcase production of his play Lamppost Reunion, about a Sinatra-like singer.