Danny Aiello facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Danny Aiello
Aiello in New York City, December 2011
Born	Daniel Louis Aiello Jr. (1933-06-20)June 20, 1933 Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Died	December 12, 2019(2019-12-12) (aged 86) New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1973–2019
Spouse(s)	Sandy Cohen ​ (m. 1955)​
Children	4, including Danny Aiello III and Rick Aiello
Relatives	Michael Kay (nephew)

Daniel Louis Aiello Jr. (born June 20, 1933 – died December 12, 2019) was an American actor. He was known for playing many different characters in movies and TV shows. Some of his famous films include The Godfather Part II (1974), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Moonstruck (1987), and Léon: The Professional (1994).

Danny Aiello was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Sal in the movie Do the Right Thing (1989).

Early Life and First Jobs

Danny Aiello was born in Manhattan, New York, and was the fifth of six children. His mother, Frances, was a seamstress from Italy. His father, Daniel, worked as a laborer. When Danny was seven, his family moved to the South Bronx. He later went to James Monroe High School.

When he was 16, Danny joined the United States Army. He served for three years. After leaving the Army, he returned to New York City. He worked many different jobs to support himself and his family. For a while, he was a bouncer at a famous comedy club called The Improv.

Acting Career

Danny Aiello with actress Estelle Parsons in 1977

Danny Aiello started acting in movies in the early 1970s. One of his first roles was in the baseball movie Bang the Drum Slowly (1973). He also had a small part in The Godfather Part II (1974), where he famously said, "Michael Corleone says hello!"

He played a New York City police officer in Fort Apache, The Bronx (1981) alongside Paul Newman. In the same year, Danny won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in Children's Programming for his role in an ABC Afterschool Special called A Family of Strangers.

He worked with actor Robert De Niro again in the movie Once Upon a Time in America (1984). Danny also appeared in two films directed by Woody Allen: The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) and Radio Days (1987).

Do the Right Thing

One of Danny Aiello's most famous roles was Sal, the owner of a pizzeria, in Spike Lee's movie Do the Right Thing (1989). He said this role was his "first focal part," meaning it was a very important role for him. He even helped write a key scene in the movie. This role earned him nominations for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Film critics in Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles named him the best supporting actor for this role.

Other Notable Roles

Danny Aiello also played kind and friendly characters. He was the confused fiancé of Cher in the romantic comedy Moonstruck (1987). He also appeared in a funny role in the fashion movie Prêt-à-Porter (1994). He had important roles in the thriller Jacob's Ladder (1990) and the comedy-drama 29th Street (1991).

He played Lee Harvey Oswald's killer, Jack Ruby, in the movie Ruby (1992). He also starred in the short film Lieberman in Love (1995), which won an Academy Award.

Music and Theater

Danny Aiello was also a singer. You can hear his singing in movies like Hudson Hawk (1991). He released several music albums that featured a big-band sound, such as I Just Wanted to Hear The Words (2004). He even made an album called Bridges (2011) that mixed classic songs with rap music.

He appeared in the music video for Madonna's song "Papa Don't Preach" (1986), playing her father. He later recorded his own song called "Papa Wants the Best for You."

On stage, Danny Aiello performed on Broadway many times. He was in plays like Lamppost Reunion (1975), Wheelbarrow Closers (1976), and Gemini (1977). In 1981, he starred in Woody Allen's play The Floating Light Bulb. He also performed in The House of Blue Leaves (1986).

Personal Life

Danny Aiello lived in Ramsey, New Jersey, and later in Saddle River, New Jersey.

In 2014, he wrote his autobiography, a book about his own life, called I Only Know Who I Am When I Am Somebody Else. He had four children. Two of his sons, Danny Aiello III and Rick Aiello, were also actors and stuntmen. Sadly, both passed away from pancreatic cancer. His nephew is Michael Kay, a sports broadcaster for the New York Yankees.

Death

Danny Aiello passed away on December 12, 2019, at the age of 86, after a short illness. Many people in the entertainment industry shared their sadness. His Moonstruck co-star Cher and Robert De Niro, who worked with him in four movies, shared their condolences. Robert De Niro said, "I am very saddened to hear of Danny's passing. I have known him for almost 50 years. See you in Heaven, Danny."

His funeral was held on December 19, 2019. Director Spike Lee and actor John Turturro spoke at the service. Spike Lee mentioned that even though they had differences, they truly cared for each other.

Filmography

Film

Television

Theatre

Awards

Images for kids

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  Aiello in New York City, December 2011

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  With actress Estelle Parsons in 1977

See also

• List of crooners
• Bronx Walk of Fame