Danny Aiello Net Worth - Pulptastic

What was Danny Aiello’s Net Worth and Salary?

Danny Aiello, a renowned American actor, had a net worth of $6 million at the time of his passing in 2019 at the age of 86. He was known for his exceptional performances in films like “Once Upon a Time in America,” “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Moonstruck,” “Ruby,” and “Do the Right Thing” – the last of which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Aside from his achievements in cinema, Aiello also had leading roles in the miniseries “The Last Don” and on the crime series “Dellaventura.” He even made notable appearances in several stage productions, including Broadway shows like “Wheelbarrow Closers,” “Gemini,” and “Hurlyburly.”

Danny Aiello’s Early Life

Danny Aiello was born in 1933 in Manhattan and was the fifth of six children of Daniel Sr. and Frances. His father worked as a laborer, while his mother was a seamstress from Naples, Italy. When Aiello’s mother lost her eyesight, his father abandoned the family.

At the age of seven, Aiello moved to the South Bronx, where he attended James Monroe High School.

Early Life and Career

Danny Aiello enlisted in the US Army at the age of 16 by lying about his age. After serving for three years, he returned to New York and took on various odd jobs. He later became the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union’s New York Local 1202, representing Greyhound Bus workers. Aiello also worked as a bouncer at the Improv comedy club in New York City.

Danny Aiello’s Acting Career

Danny Aiello made his film debut in 1973 as a ballplayer in “Bang the Drum Slowly” and went on to appear in several films throughout the 70s, including “The Godfather: Part II,” “The Front,” and “Fort Apache, The Bronx,” for which he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of a racist cop.

In the 80s, Aiello appeared in several notable films, including “Once Upon a Time in America,” “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” and “Do the Right Thing,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Throughout his career, Aiello appeared in over 100 films, showcasing his versatility as an actor in both dramatic and comedic roles.

Danny Aiello’s Career in Film

Danny Aiello started off the 90s with a notable performance as a chiropractor in “Jacob’s Ladder.” He went on to star in several films such as “Once Around,” “Hudson Hawk,” and “29th Street.” Aiello played the role of Jack Ruby, the killer of Lee Harvey Oswald in “Ruby.” He continued to be prolific in his work throughout the 90s, appearing in films like “Mistress,” “The Cemetery Club,” and “2 Days in the Valley.” Aiello also had supporting roles in films such as “Léon: The Professional” and “Prêt-à-Porter.”

In the early 2000s, Aiello had leading roles in films such as “Dinner Rush,” “Prince of Central Park,” and “Off Key.” He later starred in “Brooklyn Lobster” and was part of the ensemble cast of the crime thriller “Lucky Number Slevin.” Aiello’s later credits include the ensemble drama “Reach Me” from 2014, the 2017 Canadian film “The Neighborhood” alongside Franco Nero, and the 2018 romcom “Little Italy,” which was Aiello’s final film role before his passing.

Television Career of Danny Aiello

Danny Aiello starred as Don Domenico Clericuzio in the 1997 CBS miniseries “The Last Don,” based on the eponymous Mario Puzo novel. He played the main role of private detective Anthony Dellaventura on the CBS crime series “Dellaventura,” which aired for a single season through 1998. Aiello also appeared in numerous television films throughout his career, including “The Last Tenant,” “A Question of Honor,” “Daddy,” and “The Preppie Murder.” He won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1981 for his role in the ABC Afterschool Special “A Family of Strangers.”

Aiello’s Broadway Career

Danny Aiello performed in many Broadway productions throughout the 70s and 80s, including three plays by Louis La Russo II: “Lamppost Reunion,” “Wheelbarrow Closers,” and “Knockout.” He originated the titular role in the Albert Innaurato play “Gemini” and appeared in Woody Allen’s play “The Floating Light Bulb” in 1981. Four years later, he starred in a replacement cast version of David Rabe’s “Hurlyburly” and subsequently starred as Billy Einhorn in “The House of Blue Leaves.” After a 16-year hiatus from the stage, he starred in Elaine May’s 2002 comedy “Adult Entertainment.” Aiello’s final two stage credits were 2011’s “The Shoemaker” and 2017’s “Home for the Holidays,” both off-Broadway.

Family Life of Danny Aiello

In 1955, Aiello married Sandy Cohen and they had four children named Danny III, Rick, Jaime, and Stacey. Sadly, Danny III, who was a stuntman and actor, passed away from cancer in 2010. Rick, who was also an actor, passed away from cancer in 2021. Aiello himself passed away in December of 2019 at the age of 86.