Hollywood actor Danny Aiello passed away on Thursday night in New Jersey at the age of 86, as reported by Variety.
The character actor was known for his role in films like Do The Right Thing and Moonstruck.
“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 had started his acting career in the 1970s playing roles of police officers and gangsters. He was nominated by the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for portraying a pizza parlour owner caught up in Brooklyn’s racial tension in 1989 film Do The Right Thing, directed by Spike Lee.
He had also earned critical appreciation for playing a supporting role in Norman Jewison’s 1987 romantic comedy film Moonstruck.
Aiello’s notable film roles also include Godfather II, Once Upon a Time in America, Purple Rose of Cairo, Radio Days, Jacob’s Ladder, Ready to Wear and 2 Days in the Valley. His more recent roles include 2014’s Reach Me and 2006’s Brooklyn Rush. Aiello’s final film role was in the 2018 romantic comedy Little Italy.
He is survived by his wife Sandy Cohen and three children: Rick, Jaime and Stacy.