Danny Aiello

Daniel Louis Aiello Jr., professionally known as Danny Aiello, was a prolific American actor who appeared in numerous motion pictures including academy award-winning movies like The Godfather Part II (1974). His career in film dates back to the 1970s. One of his earliest roles was in the baseball drama, Bang the Drum Slowly (1973), with Robert De Niro. He was also notably nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Salvatore "Sal" Frangione in the Spike Lee film Do the Right Thing (1989). He played Don Domenico Clericuzio in the miniseries The Last Don (1997).

Born on West 68th Street, Manhattan, Aiello, the fifth of six children, and of Italian descent. He served as a president of New York Local 1202 of the Amalgamated Transit Union in the 1960s, representing Greyhound Bus workers. Besides being a talented actor, Aiello had a flair for singing as well. He released several albums featuring a big band. Aiello also pioneered the stage many times throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He appeared in three plays by Louis La Russo II; and starred in Woody Allen's play The Floating Light Bulb alongside Beatrice Arthur. Aiello lived a fulfilling life, dedicated to the performing arts until his passing in December 12, 2019, due to brief illness.