Danny Aiello, the Oscar-nominated actor best known for movies includingDo the Right ThingandMoonstruck, has died, PEOPLE confirms. He was 86.
“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,” his family said in a statement. “The family asks for privacy at this time. Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.”
Aiello died on Thursday night at a medical facility in New Jersey,TMZreports. According to the outlet, he was in the facility being treated for a sudden illness and had suffered an infection related to his treatment.
The actor broke into Hollywood in 1973 with a role in theRobert De Niro-starring baseball filmBang the Drum Slowly. Shortly after, he played Tony Rosato inThe Godfather: Part II, where he said the famous line, “Michael Corleone says hello!”
Aiello received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the classic 1989 Spike Lee filmDo the Right Thing.In the movie, he played the character of Salvatore “Sal” Fragione, the owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn.
Danny Aiello.George Pimentel/Getty
Danny Aiello in 1989.
Though Aiello is best known forDo the Right Thing, he also starred in movies includingMoonstruck,Hudson HawkandJacob’s Ladder.
Outside of Hollywood, Aiello was also a stage actor, performing in multiple Broadway plays includingGemini,The Floating Light BulbandThe House of Blue Leaves.He also acted in television shows includingLady BlueandThe Last Don.
“You know, I’ve only been in this business 17 years,” Aiellotold PEOPLEin 1990. “For actors, that’s no time at all. Everything is happening so damn fast. It’s like a beautiful dream that never seems to end.”
source: people.com
