Danny Aiello

Early Life

Daniel Louis Aiello Jr. was born on June 20, 1933, in Lincoln Square, Manhattan, to Frances Pietrocova, a seamstress from Naples, Italy, and Daniel Louis Aiello, a laborer who abandoned the family when Frances lost her eyesight. Growing up as the fifth of six children, Aiello moved to the South Bronx at the age of seven. He enlisted in the United States Army at 16, lying about his age, and served for three years before returning to New York City, where he took on various jobs to support himself and his family. In the 1960s, he became president of New York Local 1202 of the Amalgamated Transit Union and was known for his involvement in a wildcat strike.

Career

Aiello's acting career began in the early 1970s, with his breakout role as a small-time hood in "The Godfather Part II" (1974). He gained acclaim for his portrayal of a racist cop in "Fort Apache, The Bronx" (1981) and won a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance in an ABC Afterschool Special. Aiello starred in numerous films, including "Once Upon a Time in America" (1984), "Moonstruck" (1987), and "Do the Right Thing" (1989), where he played the iconic role of Sal, a pizzeria owner. His career spanned decades, and he was recognized for his contributions to film and theater, receiving awards such as the Theatre World Award and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Personal Life and Legacy

Aiello married Sandy Cohen in 1955, and they lived in New Jersey for many years. He published his autobiography, "I Only Know Who I Am When I Am Somebody Else," in 2014. He was a father to four children, including stuntman Danny Aiello III, who passed away in 2010. Aiello died on December 12, 2019, at the age of 86, following a brief illness. His passing was mourned by many in the entertainment industry, including co-stars like Cher and Robert De Niro, who remembered him fondly for his talent and friendship.