--- name: "Danny Aiello" canonical: "https://film.one/person/danny-aiello" fi1m_id: "danny-aiello" imdb_id: "nm0000732" tmdb_id: 1004 wikidata_id: "Q299314" roles: ["Actor"] born: "20 June 1933" died: "12 December 2019" reviewed_on_fi1m: 9 average_fi1m_score: 80 average_as: "actor" average_over: 9 updated: "2026-10-04T17:14:47.466085+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Danny Aiello ## Identity Danny Aiello - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/danny-aiello - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** danny-aiello - **IMDb ID:** nm0000732 - **TMDB ID:** 1004 - **Wikidata ID:** Q299314 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Aiello, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q299314, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000732/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1004 Actor. Born 20 June 1933 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. Died 12 December 2019. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 20 June 1933, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA - **Died:** 12 December 2019 - **Active:** 1973–1994 - **Also known as:** Daniel Louis Aiello Jr., Daniel Aiello, Dan Aiello , 丹尼·愛羅 - **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar nomination - **Average Fi1m score:** 80, as actor, over 9 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 86 (2), 1980s 80 (5), 1990s 77 (2) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 84 to 76 across 7 titles - **Score spread:** 7 at 80+, 1 at 60–79, 1 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 1 of 7 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 8, Crime 5, Action 2, Comedy 2, Mystery 2, Romance 2 - **Screen time:** 17 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $390m across 8 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Aiello, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q299314, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000732/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1004 ## Coming up - *Once Upon a Time in Jersey* (2026-11-06) ## Streaming the US now - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Do the Right Thing*](https://film.one/film/do-the-right-thing.md) (93), [*Jacob's Ladder*](https://film.one/film/jacobs-ladder.md) (80), [*Léon: The Professional*](https://film.one/film/leon-the-professional.md) (74) - **Apple TV:** [*Moonstruck*](https://film.one/film/moonstruck.md) (84) - **Pluto TV:** [*The Purple Rose of Cairo*](https://film.one/film/the-purple-rose-of-cairo.md) (84) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Danny Aiello > Danny Aiello could make a tough man funny or sympathetic without making him harmless. We like him best when a part gives him room for both; too many settled for the familiar Italian-American heavy. In *Jacob's Ladder* (1990), Danny Aiello plays Louis, a sympathetic presence amid the hallucinations. We were relieved to have him there, because Adrian Lyne's film makes Tim Robbins's distress so hard to shake. Aiello's capacity for sympathy matters more here than the tough-guy casting that so often defined him. We rate the film highly despite its tangled explanations, and this is the side of Aiello worth seeking out: the supporting actor who can offer some comfort without needing to become the centre of the story. His early screen work included Tony Rosato in *The Godfather Part II* (1974), but the 1980s gave him parts that made more of his comic timing and sympathy. As Johnny Cammareri opposite Cher in *Moonstruck* (1987), he had room to be funny; as Sal, the pizzeria owner in Spike Lee's *Do the Right Thing* (1989), he found his breakthrough. Those parts suggest how much could be missed when he was hired simply to be threatening. Too many asked him to supply a familiar Italian-American tough guy and little else. *Léon: The Professional* (1994) features him as Old Tony, though we would not start there when recommending Aiello. Luc Besson's crime thriller works chiefly through Jean Reno and Natalie Portman's bond, and our affection for it comes with serious reservations about the child placed inside its violence. Aiello is part of that film's supporting company, rather than the reason we recommend it. The distinction matters with an actor so regularly hired for tough men and authority figures: recognising him is not the same as being given something new to notice. His reliance on natural timing and improvisation suits the way he could combine menace with comedy. The limitation was often the part: a heavy who needs only to look threatening gives an actor little room to surprise us. We prefer the work that lets sympathy complicate that first impression, rather than leaving him to repeat it. Start with *Jacob's Ladder* for the gentler supporting actor, provided its frightening hallucinations are an acceptable price for the introduction. ## Biography Danny Aiello was an American actor. Born in Manhattan, New York City, he began his career on the New York stage before making his film debut in the 1970s. He appeared in numerous films, including *The Godfather Part II* (1974), *Once Upon a Time in America* (1984), *The Purple Rose of Cairo* (1985), *Moonstruck* (1987), *Do the Right Thing* (1989) and *Lucky Number Slevin* (2006). For his performance as Sal in *Do the Right Thing*, he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Other credits include *Jacob's Ladder* (1990) as Louis and *Léon: The Professional* (1994) as Old Tony. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, themoviedb.org.* ## On Fi1m (9) - *Léon: The Professional* (1994), Fi1m 74, as Old Tony — [page](https://film.one/film/leon-the-professional.md) - *Jacob's Ladder* (1990), Fi1m 80, as Louis — [page](https://film.one/film/jacobs-ladder.md) - *Do the Right Thing* (1989), Fi1m 93, as Sal — [page](https://film.one/film/do-the-right-thing.md) - *Moonstruck* (1987), Fi1m 84, as Mr. Johnny Cammareri — [page](https://film.one/film/moonstruck.md) - *The Purple Rose of Cairo* (1985), Fi1m 84, as Monk — [page](https://film.one/film/the-purple-rose-of-cairo.md) - *Once Upon a Time in America* (1984), Fi1m 81, as Police Chief Aiello — [page](https://film.one/film/once-upon-a-time-in-america.md) - *Fort Apache, the Bronx* (1981), Fi1m 56, as Morgan — [page](https://film.one/film/fort-apache-the-bronx.md) - *The Godfather Part II* (1974), Fi1m 92, as Tony Rosato — [page](https://film.one/film/the-godfather-part-ii.md) - *Kojak* (1973), Fi1m 80, as Matty — [page](https://film.one/tv/kojak.md) ## Complete filmography (98) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Once Upon a Time in Jersey* (2026), Actor - *One Moment* (2021), as Joe McGuinness - *Making a Deal with the Devil* (2019), as Mario - *The Last Big Save* (2019), as Louis Brown - *Little Italy* (2018), as Carlo - *The Neighborhood* (2017), as Joseph Donatello - *Difficult People* (2015), series, as Danny Aiello (voice) - *Henry & Me* (2014), as Dr. Acosta - *Reach Me* (2014), as Father Paul - *Stiffs* (2010), as Frank Tramontana - *Madonna: Celebration - The Video Collection* (2009), as Papa (segment "Papa Don't Preach") - *The Last Request* (2006), as Pop - *Lucky Number Slevin* (2006), as Roth - *Brooklyn Lobster* (2005), as Frank Giorgio - *Zeyda and the Hitman* (2004), as Nathan - *Mail Order Bride* (2003), as Tony Santini - *Off Key* (2001), as Fabrizio Benini - *Prince of Central Park* (2000), as Noah Cairn - *Dinner Rush* (2000), as Louis Cropa - *Mambo Café* (2000), as Joey - *18 Shades of Dust* (1999), as Vincent Dianni - *The Rat Pack* (1999), series, as Narrator (voice) - *Wilbur Falls* (1998), as Philip Devereaux - *The Last Don II* (1998), series, as Don Domenico Clericuzio - *A Brooklyn State of Mind* (1998), as Danny Parente - *Dellaventura* (1997), series, as Anthony Dellaventura · Executive Producer - *The Last Don* (1997), series, as Don Domenico Clericuzio - *Unforgotten: Twenty-Five Years After Willowbrook* (1997), as Narrator - *Bring Me the Head of Mavis Davis* (1997), as Mr. Rathbone - *Mojave Moon* (1996), as Al - *2 Days in the Valley* (1996), as Dosmo Pizzo - *City Hall* (1996), as Frank Anselmo - *Two Much* (1995), as Gene - *Power of Attorney* (1995), as Joseph Scassi - *The Watcher* (1995), series, Director - *Lieberman in Love* (1995), as Joe Lieberman - *Brothers' Destiny* (1995), as Duke - *Prêt-à-Porter* (1994), as Major Hamilton - *Léon: The Professional* (1994), as Old Tony — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/leon-the-professional.md) - *Me and the Kid* (1993), as Harry - *The Pickle* (1993), as Harry Stone - *The Cemetery Club* (1993), as Ben Katz - *Mistress* (1992), as Carmine Rasso - *Ruby* (1992), as Jack Ruby - *29th Street* (1991), as Frank Pesce Sr. - *Rabbit Ears - Pinocchio* (1991), as Narrator (voice) - *Hudson Hawk* (1991), as Tommy Five-Tone - *Once Around* (1991), as Joe Bella - *Madonna: The Immaculate Collection* (1990), as Papa (segment "Papa Don't Preach") - *Jacob's Ladder* (1990), as Louis — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/jacobs-ladder.md) - *The Closer* (1990), as Chester Grant - *Harlem Nights* (1989), as Phil Cantone - *The Preppie Murder* (1989), as Mike Sheehan - *Do the Right Thing* (1989), as Sal — Fi1m 93, [page](https://film.one/film/do-the-right-thing.md) - *Shocktroop* (1989), as John Cunningham - *White Hot* (1989), as Charlie Buick - *The January Man* (1989), as Captain Vincent Alcoa - *The Third Solution* (1988), as George Sherman - *Alone in the Neon Jungle* (1988), as Chief - *Moonstruck* (1987), as Mr. Johnny Cammareri — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/moonstruck.md) - *The Pick-up Artist* (1987), as Phil Harper - *Man on Fire* (1987), as Conti - *Daddy* (1987), as Coach Jacobs - *The Hustler of Money* (1987), as Master of Ceremonies - *U.S. Marshals: Waco & Rhinehart* (1987), Executive Producer - *Radio Days* (1987), as Rocco - *Lady Blue* (1985), series, as Lt. Terry McNichols - *Key Exchange* (1985), as Carabello - *The Protector* (1985), as Danny Garoni - *The Stuff* (1985), as Vickers - *The Purple Rose of Cairo* (1985), as Monk — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/the-purple-rose-of-cairo.md) - *Night Heat* (1985), series, Actor - *Deathmask* (1984), as Capt. Mike Grasso - *Tales from the Darkside* (1984), series, as Tommy Vale - *Old Enough* (1984), as Mr. Bruckner - *Once Upon a Time in America* (1984), as Police Chief Aiello — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/once-upon-a-time-in-america.md) - *Blood Feud* (1983), series, as Randy Powers - *Blood Feud* (1983), as Randy Powers - *A Question of Honor* (1982), as Martelli - *Gemini* (1982), as Fran Geminiani - *Chu Chu and the Philly Flash* (1981), as Johnson - *Nurse* (1981), series, as Gene Halley - *Fort Apache, the Bronx* (1981), as Morgan — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/fort-apache-the-bronx.md) - *Hide in Plain Sight* (1980), as Sal Carvello - *Defiance* (1980), as Carmine - *Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II* (1978), as Bernie Serino - *Bloodbrothers* (1978), as Artie - *The Last Tenant* (1978), as Carl - *Fingers* (1978), as Butch - *On Our Own* (1977), series, as Skip Mazarelli - *Hooch* (1977), as Tony - *The Andros Targets* (1977), series, as Lt. Phil Lombardi - *The Front* (1976), as Danny LaGattuta - *The Godfather Part II* (1974), as Tony Rosato — Fi1m 92, [page](https://film.one/film/the-godfather-part-ii.md) - *The Godmothers* (1973), as (uncredited) - *Kojak* (1973), series, as Matty — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/kojak.md) - *Bang the Drum Slowly* (1973), as Horse - *ABC Afterschool Special* (1972), series, as Dominic Ginetti ## Gallery - ![Danny Aiello as Sal in Do the Right Thing (1989)](https://film.one/media/title/4423/still-ddb8dc23029f.jpg) Danny Aiello as Sal in *Do the Right Thing* (1989) — Image via TMDB - ![Danny Aiello](https://film.one/media/person/77712/gallery-0c6a42e9e6bf.jpg) Danny Aiello — Danny_Aiello_&_Teddy_Atlas.jpg: Mike L Photo's derivative work: Materialscientist (talk), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Danny_Aiello.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Photos from the October 18, 2010 world premiere of the new documentary, "The Soprano State", about political corruption in New Jersey. The film premiered at The](https://film.one/media/person/77712/gallery-454653ac9021.jpg) Photos from the October 18, 2010 world premiere of the new documentary, "The Soprano State", about political corruption in New Jersey. The film premiered at The — Michael Dolan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/The_Soprano_State_World_Premiere.jpg/1280px-The_Soprano_State_World_Premiere.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Danny Aiello and Teddy Atlas, during Theodore Atlas Foundation's 15th Annual Teddy Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island, New York City.](https://film.one/media/person/77712/gallery-2382eaf473e1.jpg) Danny Aiello and Teddy Atlas, during Theodore Atlas Foundation's 15th Annual Teddy Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island, New York City. — Mike L Photo's, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Danny_Aiello_%26_Teddy_Atlas.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Danny Aiello](https://film.one/media/person/77712/gallery-cf75b2cd586f.jpg) Danny Aiello — Image via TMDB - ![Danny Aiello](https://film.one/media/person/77712/gallery-c62eae0027e2.jpg) Danny Aiello — Image via TMDB - ![Danny Aiello](https://film.one/media/person/77712/gallery-9a4278dd9250.jpg) Danny Aiello — Image via TMDB - ![Danny Aiello](https://film.one/media/person/77712/gallery-26bdfca0a3a3.jpg) Danny Aiello — Image via TMDB - ![Danny Aiello](https://film.one/media/person/77712/gallery-7d33d2832360.jpg) Danny Aiello — Image via TMDB - ![Danny Aiello](https://film.one/media/person/77712/gallery-eb739f342b6b.jpg) Danny Aiello — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Academy Awards — 0 won, 1 nominated - 1990: Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *Do the Right Thing* ### Other awards — 2 won - New Jersey Hall of Fame 2019: New Jersey Hall of Fame (won) - Theatre World Award 1976: Theatre World Award (won) *From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.* --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/danny-aiello