By Creative Media Times

Character actor Danny Aiello, an Oscar nominated veteran actor who made his mark in classic 80s films including “Moonstruck” and “Do the Right Thing,” has died at the age of 86, his publicist confirmed on Friday morning.

Aiello (pronounced eye-YEL-o), is known as the blue-collar character actor and has appeared in “Fort Apache, the Bronx,” “The Godfather, Part II,” “Once Upon a Time in America”. In 1990, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance as a pizza man in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing.”

But it was his role in Norman Jewison’s hit comedy “Moonstruck” that gained him widespread recognition to film audiences. In the film, he played Cher’s befuddled fiancé.

Some would also remember him as Madonna’s father in “Papa Don’t Preach” video, which was shot on Staten Island. Aiello himself is a musician, having released his first single in March of 2004, “All of Me”, and a few albums such as I Just Wanted to Hear The Words (2004), Live from Atlantic City (2008), and My Christmas Song for You (2010).

Danny was born June 20, 1933 to Italian parents. Aiello and his wife Sandy, lived in Ramsey, New Jersey. He is survived by three children and ten grandchildren.