Danny Aiello Dies at 86
Danny Aiello, best known for his performance in Do The Right Thing, The Godfather: Part II and Moonstruck, has died at the age of 86.
TMZ reports Aiello died “at a medical facility in New Jersey” as a result of an infection related to treatment he was receiving for a “sudden illness.”
Aiello was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1990 for his performance as Sal in Do The Right Thing. Aiello’s other credits include Fort Apache the Bronx, Once Upon a Time in America, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Jacob’s Ladder, Hudson Hawk and Leon: The Professional. He also notably played Madonna’s father in the 1986 music video for “Papa Don’t Preach.”
News of Aiello’s passing led to a number of tributes on social media. Here are a few notable ones.
Goodbye Dear #DannyAiello 💔
— Cher (@cher) December 13, 2019
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
Damn I’m so sad to hear the great
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) December 13, 2019
Danny Aiello has passed away.
So so sad. Such a great actor.
HUGE INSPIRATION for me personally.
Damn #DannyAiello pic.twitter.com/GEHuX4NNzj
“This is my pizzeria!!!”
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) December 13, 2019
One of the greats. RIP Danny Aiello. pic.twitter.com/TVv4KS9quc
https://twitter.com/morglaur/status/1205507300607348736
God Bless Danny Aiello.
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) December 13, 2019
His Oscar nom was for Do The Right Thing but watch Jacob's Ladder to see him as a literal angel. pic.twitter.com/yFKeJCMmja
Danny Aiello and Paul Newman's characters had a fistfight in the film Fort Apache, The Bronx. As they rehearsed the rough battle, Danny heard his wife yell "Oh God, don't hit him in the face".
— Keith Humphreys (@KeithNHumphreys) December 13, 2019
Said Danny "She was talking to me". R.I.P.
https://twitter.com/BillyBaldwin/status/1205488718456348673///
