Danny Aiello of 'Do The Right Thing' and 'Moonstruck' dies at 86 – CNN

(CNN) Danny Aiello, a prolific actor who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as pizzeria owner Sal in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” has died, a family representative confirmed Friday to CNN.

“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,” according to a family statement provided to CNN.

The veteran actor appeared in a plethora of well-known roles including as Johnny Cammareri in “Moonstruck,” Tony Rosato in “The Godfather II” and as Madonna’s father in the “Papa Don’t Preach” music video.

Aiello was born in Manhattan, the second youngest of six children, to a seamstress and a laborer.

His mother was born in Naples, Italy, and married his father when she was 15 years old.