Born: June 20, 1933 – Died: December 12, 2019
Danny Aiello, a distinctive American actor recognized for his Italian heritage, graced the film industry with his remarkable presence. Born in Manhattan, New York City, Aiello was the son of a laborer, Daniel Louis Aiello, and Frances Pietrocova, a seamstress who unfortunately lost her sight and became legally blind. The absence of his father, who left the family when Aiello was young, marked his early years. Aiello's journey in Hollywood is a testament to his resilience and talent, leaving an indelible mark with roles that often brought a touch of authenticity to the big screen.
Early Life and Career
Aiello's early life was spent in the South Bronx after moving from Manhattan. His education took place at James Monroe High School, but his trajectory took a sharp turn when he left school to join the United States Army at just 16, by misrepresenting his age. After serving for three years, he returned to New York City, working odd jobs before tying the knot with Sandy Cohen in 1955, with whom he had four children, including Danny Aiello III who followed in his father's footsteps into acting.
Aiello's film career began relatively late; his first credited role came at age 40 in "Bang the Drum Slowly" (1973). However, it was his role in The Godfather Part II (1974) that left an unforgettable mark, despite its brevity. His first significant splash in the industry was his portrayal in "Defiance" (1980), which started to shape his career trajectory, earning him a Daytime Emmy Award. The role that thrust him into the limelight was the character Sal in "Do the Right Thing" (1989), for which he received an Academy Award nomination and critical acclaim.
Throughout his career, Aiello balanced his professional life with personal pursuits, including music, and was involved in various community and charitable activities. His marriage to Sandy was a lifelong partnership, and he was known for his devotion to family.
In Hollywood, Aiello is remembered as an actor who brought a sense of genuine character to his roles. His versatility and ability to convey depth in complex characters solidified his status as an entertainment industry icon. His legacy is defined by his portrayals of multifaceted individuals and his commitment to his craft.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | One Moment | Joe McGuinness |
| 2019 | Nothing to Say (Short) | (voice) |
| 2019 | Making a Deal with the Devil | Mario |
| 2019 | The Last Big Save | Louis Brown |
| 2018 | Little Italy | Carlo Campo (as Daniel Aiello) |
| 2017 | The Neighborhood | Joseph Donatello |
| 2017 | Broken Dreams Blvd (TV Movie) | Teddy Berry |
| 2017 | Difficult People (TV Series) | Danny Aiello (voice) |
| 2014 | Reach Me | Father Paul |
| 2014 | Henry & Me | Dr. Acosta (voice) |
| 2014 | JJ Grey & Mofro: This River (Music Video) | Man by the River |
| 2011 | Capone: The Rehearsal (Short) | Unknown |
| 2010 | Stiffs | Frank Tramontana |
| 2009 | Madonna: Celebration - The Video Collection (Video) | Papa (segment "Papa Don't Preach") |
| 2006 | A Broken Sole | The Shoemaker |
| 2006 | The Last Request | Pop |
| 2006 | *Lucky Number Slevin* | Roth |
| 2005 | Brooklyn Lobster | Frank Giorgio |
| 2005 | The Fool (Short) | Dummy (voice) |
| 2004 | Zeyda and the Hitman (TV Movie) | Nathan |
| 2003 | Mail Order Bride | Tony Santini |
| 2001 | Off Key | Fabrizio |
| 2000 | Prince of Central Park | Noah Cairn |
| 2000 | Dinner Rush | Louis Cropa |
| 2000 | Mambo Café | Joey |
| 1999 | 18 Shades of Dust | Vincent Dianni |
| 1998 | The Last Don II (TV Mini Series) | Don Domenico Clericuzio |
| 1998 | Wilbur Falls | Phillip Devereaux |
| 1997–1998 | Dellaventura (TV Series) | Anthony Dellaventura |
| 1998 | A Brooklyn State of Mind | Danny Parente |
| 1997 | Cosby (TV Series) | Danny Aiello |
| 1997 | Bring Me the Head of Mavis Davis | Mr. Rathbone |
| 1997 | The Last Don (TV Mini Series) | Don Domenico Clericuzio |
| 1996 | Mojave Moon | Al |
| 1996 | 2 Days in the Valley | Dosmo Pizzo |
| 1996 | City Hall | Frank Anselmo |
| 1995 | Lieberman in Love (Short) | Joe Lieberman |
| 1995 | Two Much | Gene |
| 1995 | Brothers' Destiny (TV Movie) | Duke |
| 1995 | Power of Attorney (Video) | Joseph Scassi |
| 1994 | Save the Rabbits (Short) | Ronnie |
| 1994 | Ready to Wear | Major Hamilton |
| 1994 | Léon: The Professional | Tony |
| 1993 | Me and the Kid | Harry |
| 1993 | The Pickle | Harry Stone |
| 1993 | The Cemetery Club | Ben Katz |
| 1992 | Mistress | Carmine Rasso |
| 1992 | Rabbit Ears: Pinocchio (Video) | Narrator (voice) |
| 1992 | Ruby | Jack Ruby |
| 1991 | 29th Street | Frank Pesce, Sr. |
| 1991 | *Hudson Hawk* | Tommy Five-Tone |
| 1991 | He Ain't Heavy (Short) | Unknown |
| 1991 | Once Around | Joe Bella |
| 1990 | The Closer | Chester Grant |
| 1990 | Jacob's Ladder | Louis |
| 1989 | Harlem Nights | Phil Cantone |
| 1989 | The Preppie Murder (TV Movie) | Det. Mike Sheehan |
| 1989 | Do the Right Thing | Sal |
| 1989 | Loving (TV Series) | Stunt Coordinator (credit only) |
| 1989 | The January Man | Vincent Alcoa |
| 1988 | Shocktroop | John Cunningham |
| 1988 | White Hot | Charlie Buick |
| 1988 | The Third Solution | George Sherman |
| 1988 | Alone in the Neon Jungle (TV Movie) | Chief |
| 1987 | Moonstruck | Mr. Johnny Cammareri |
| 1987 | The Pick-up Artist | Phil |
| 1987 | Night Heat (TV Series) | Frankie D. |
| 1987 | Man on Fire | Conti |
| 1987 | Daddy (TV Movie) | Coach Jacobs |
| 1987 | Saturday Night Live (TV Series) | Master of Ceremonies (uncredited) |
| 1987 | The Hustler of Money (TV Short) | Master of Ceremonies |
| 1987 | Radio Days | Rocco |
| 1985–1986 | Lady Blue (TV Series) | Lt. Terry McNichols |
| 1986 | Madonna: Papa Don't Preach (Music Video) | Father (uncredited) |
| 1985 | The Protector | Danny Garoni |
| 1985 | Key Exchange | Carabello |
| 1985 | The Lucie Arnaz Show (TV Series) | Vic Rosetti |
| 1985 | The Stuff | Vickers |
| 1985 | The Purple Rose of Cairo | Monk |
| 1984 | Death Mask | Capt. Mike Grasso |
| 1984 | Tales from the Darkside (TV Series) | Tommy Vale |
| 1984 | Once Upon a Time in America | Police Chief Aiello |
| 1984 | Old Enough | Mr. Bruckner |
| 1983 | 3-2-1 Contact (TV Series) | Florist |
| 1983 | Blood Feud (TV Movie) | Randy Powers |
| 1982 | A Question of Honor (TV Movie) | Martelli |
| 1982 | Nurse (TV Series) | Gene Halley |
| 1980–1982 | ABC Afterschool Specials (TV Series) | Frank Caruso | Dominic Ginetti |
| 1982 | Gemini (TV Movie) | Fran |
| 1981 | Chu Chu and the Philly Flash | Johnson |
| 1981 | Fort Apache the Bronx | Morgan |
| 1980 | Hide in Plain Sight | Sal Carvello |
| 1980 | Defiance | Carmine |
| 1978 | Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II (TV Movie) | Bernie Serino |
| 1978 | Bloodbrothers | Artie |
| 1978 | The Last Tenant (TV Movie) | Carl |
| 1978 | On Our Own (TV Series) | Skip Mazarelli |
| 1978 | Fingers | Butch |
| 1977 | The Godfather Saga (TV Mini Series) | Tony Rosato (uncredited) |
| 1977 | Hooch | Tony (as Dan Aiello) |
| 1977 | The Andros Targets (TV Series) | Lt. Phil Lombardi |
| 1976 | Kojak (TV Series) | Matty |
| 1976 | The Front | Danny LaGattuta |
| 1974 | *The Godfather Part II* | Tony Rosato |
| 1973 | The Godmothers | (uncredited) |
| 1973 | Bang the Drum Slowly | Horse |