The Godfather star John Aprea has reportedly died at the age of 83. Aprea, who played young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in The Godfather Part II, reportedly died on August 5.

Aprea died “of natural causes” in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones, his manager Will Levine told Fox News Digital. “I am very saddened by the passing of Mr. Aprea,” Levine said. “He was an incredibly talented actor and was loved by his friends. One of the classiest guys I knew.”

“He was a true gentleman and an absolute professional”

Aprea was born to Italian immigrants in Englewood, New Jersey in 1941. His first break into the industry came in 1968 in the classic San Francisco police drama Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen. Aprea later played the young Tessio in The Godfather: Part II.

After Aprea was cast in the role, she reportedly called Abe Vigoda, who played the older version of Tessio, and asked for character insight.

According to the New York Post, Vigoda told Aprea, “I don’t know what I did. Just have fun, boy.”

Aprea has appeared in various crime dramas and soap operas throughout his career. For several years, he worked as Alexander Nikos and Lucas Castigliano on Another World, a daytime hit. He also played John Stamos’ father on the family sitcom Full House. The series was picked up years later for a Netflix reboot for Fuller House, and Aprea reprised his role.

Aprea also reprised his role as Jack Madison in the television series The Bay. Creator and showrunner Gregori J. Martin said after Aprea’s death: “It was a great honor to work with an icon like John on The Bay. I have always been a fan of his work and he was a true gentleman and consummate professional who brought some beautiful moments to the role of Jack in these later seasons. We will all miss him very much.”

Aprea is survived by his wife Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Graci. He was previously married to Ninon Aprea and Cherie Latimer.