Danny Aiello, the veteran character actor known for his Oscar-nominated supporting turn in "Do the Right Thing," died Thursday night in New Jersey. He was 86.
Aiello died after a brief illness, his publicist, Tracey Miller of Tracey Miller & Associates, confirmed to the Los Angeles Times Friday.
"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. The family asks for privacy at this time," Miller said in a statement.
Born Daniel Louis Aiello Jr., he was also known for his roles in "Moonstruck" and "The Godfather: Part II." He often played the role of the Italian tough guy, criminal or father. A late bloomer, he didn't get his union card until he was in his 40s. Then his career stretched from the early 1970s until the present.
Services will be announced at a later date.
