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Danny Aiello Dies at 86

Danny Aiello, best known for his performance in Do The Right Thing, The Godfather: Part II and Moonstruck, has died at the age of 86. TMZ reports Aiello died “at a medical facility…

Danny Aiello
Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Danny Aiello, best known for his performance in Do The Right Thing, The Godfather: Part II and Moonstruck, has died at the age of 86.

TMZ reports Aiello died "at a medical facility in New Jersey" as a result of an infection related to treatment he was receiving for a "sudden illness."

Aiello was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1990 for his performance as Sal in Do The Right Thing. Aiello's other credits include Fort Apache the Bronx, Once Upon a Time in America, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Jacob's Ladder, Hudson Hawk and Leon: The Professional. He also notably played Madonna's father in the 1986 music video for "Papa Don't Preach."

News of Aiello's passing led to a number of tributes on social media. Here are a few notable ones.

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights