1960s–1974: Early work Aprea always wanted to act, even though he described himself as a shy person. When he was twenty-three, he attended his first audition, after reading an ad in a local newspaper. He met with a man who said that he could have a part in a movie if he paid him a few thousand dollars. Aprea turned down the offer. In 1970, he appeared in the films
The Grasshopper and
The Dark Side of Tomorrow. Aprea played Richard in the film
Sweet Kill (1972), directed by
Curtis Hanson. He guest starred on
The F.B.I. in 1973. He also appeared in the film
Caged Heat (1974), directed by
Jonathan Demme.
1974–1980: The Godfather Part II While tending bar at Robert's in Los Angeles, Aprea met
Francis Ford Coppola and landed an audition for the role of
Michael Corleone in
The Godfather. The part went to
Al Pacino. Coppola eventually cast Aprea as young
Salvatore Tessio in
The Godfather Part II (1974). He also played Marvin in the film
Crazy Mama, directed again by Jonathan Demme. Aprea had a regular role as Joseph Montefusco on the short-lived
NBC comedy series
The Montefuscos. He guest starred on
The Rookies and
Kate McShane. In 1979, Aprea guest starred on
Wonder Woman, Mrs. Columbo, and
A Man Called Sloane.
1981–1987: Matt Houston He appeared in the television film
Crazy Times (1981), co-starring with
Ray Liotta. Aprea was cast in a regular role as
Albert Anastasia in the NBC miniseries
The Gangster Chronicles. In 1982, he played a lawyer in the film
Comeback. He guest starred on
The Powers of Matthew Star. In 1983, he played Ron in the film
The Act. In 1984, Aprea guest starred on ''
Three's a Crowd and Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer. In 1985, he guest starred on Hardcastle and McCormick, Simon & Simon, Street Hawk, and The A-Team''. Aprea played Mr. Tevere in the film
American Anthem (1986). He guest starred on
Alfred Hitchcock Presents and
The Fall Guy. He had a recurring role as Sheriff Jack North on the CBS series
Falcon Crest.
1988–1993: Another World Aprea played Salazar in the action film
Picasso Trigger (1988). He guest starred on
Tales from the Darkside. Aprea received a
Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Villain – Prime Time for his work on
Knots Landing. Aprea played Captain Andreas in the action film
Savage Beach (1989). He guest starred on
Father Dowling Mysteries and
Night Court. In 1992, he left
Another World when his contract came to an end. The character of Lucas was killed off. In 1993, Aprea guest starred on
The Hat Squad,
Dark Justice,
Melrose Place,
Saved by the Bell: The New Class, and
Silk Stalkings. He also appeared in the action film
Direct Hit. From 1994 to 1995, Aprea guest starred on
Heaven Help Us,
Renegade, and
Silk Stalkings. Aprea played Dominic in the film
Sunset Park (1996). He appeared in the film
The Game (1997), directed by
David Fincher. He also appeared in the films
My Brother Jack,
Deadly Ransom, and
Dead Man on Campus. From 2001 to 2002, he had a recurring role on
Philly. In 2004, Aprea played Rear Admiral Glick in the film
The Manchurian Candidate, co-starring with
Denzel Washington and directed by
Jonathan Demme. He guest starred on
NYPD Blue in 2005. From 2009 to 2010, Aprea guest starred on
Cold Case and
Lie to Me. He guest starred on
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in 2013. He also played Jerry Masselin in the film
After You. Mr. Aprea was recruited to appear on the First Annual
On Cinema At the Cinema Oscar Special in 2013. This role would later lead to Aprea appearing as General Cotter/General Cotter Clone in the hit series
Decker. Aprea starred as Mike Esposito in the film
Sharkskin (2015). He played Angelo in the film
Stevie D (2016). In 2017, he guest starred as Nick Katsopolis on
Fuller House, a revival of
Full House. From 2020 to 2023, he had a recurring role on
The Bay. == Personal life and death ==