
Danny Aiello
ActingAbout Danny Aiello
Daniel Louis Aiello Jr. (June 20, 1933 – December 12, 2019) was an American actor. He appeared in numerous films, including The Godfather Part II (1974), The Front (1976), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), Moonstruck (1987), Harlem Nights (1989), Hudson Hawk (1991), Ruby (1992), Léon: The Professional (1994), 2 Days in the Valley (1996), Dinner Rush (2000), and Lucky Number Slevin (2006). He had a pivotal role in the Spike Lee film Do the Right Thing (1989) as Salvatore "Sal" Frangione, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also played Don Domenico Clericuzio in the miniseries The Last Don (1997).
Danny Aiello Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Danny Aiello reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Danny Aiello's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 54% of Danny Aiello's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Madonna: The Immaculate Collection, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Danny Aiello Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Danny Aiello's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Danny Aiello has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | One Moment | Joe McGuinness | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Stallone: Frank, That Is | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | The Last Big Save | Louis Brown | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Little Italy | Carlo | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Mulberry St. | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Stiffs | Frank Tramontana | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Madonna: Celebration - The Video Collection | Papa (segment "Papa Don't Preach") | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Lucky Number Slevin | Roth | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Moonstruck: At the Heart of an Italian Family | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Brooklyn Lobster | Frank Giorgio | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Dinner Rush | Louis Cropa | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Unforgotten: Twenty-Five Years After Willowbrook | Narrator | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | 2 Days in the Valley | Dosmo Pizzo | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | City Hall | Frank Anselmo | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Brothers' Destiny | Duke | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Lieberman in Love | Joe Lieberman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Léon: The Professional | Tony | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Me and the Kid | Harry | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | 29th Street | Frank Pesce Sr. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Hudson Hawk | Tommy Five-Tone | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Once Around | Joe Bella | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Madonna: The Immaculate Collection | Papa (segment "Papa Don't Preach") | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Jacob's Ladder | Louis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Richard Lewis: I'm Doomed | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Closer | Chester Grant | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Harlem Nights | Phil Cantone | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Making 'Do the Right Thing' | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Do the Right Thing | Sal | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Shocktroop | John Cunningham | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Moonstruck | Mr. Johnny Cammareri | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Pick-up Artist | Phil Harper | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Man on Fire | Conti | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Daddy | Coach Jacobs | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Hustler of Money | Master of Ceremonies | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Radio Days | Rocco | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Protector | Danny Garoni | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Stuff | Vickers | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Purple Rose of Cairo | Monk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Old Enough | Mr. Bruckner | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Once Upon a Time in America | Police Chief Vincent Aiello | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | A Question of Honor | Martelli | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Gemini | Fran Geminiani | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Fort Apache, the Bronx | Morgan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Defiance | Carmine | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II | Bernie Serino | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Bloodbrothers | Artie | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Fingers | Butch | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Front | Danny LaGattuta | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Godfather Part II | Tony Rosato | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Bang the Drum Slowly | Horse | Average | Similar → |
Danny Aiello - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Danny Aiello?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Danny Aiello is "Madonna: The Immaculate Collection" with a rating of 8.7/10.
How many movies has Danny Aiello acted in?
Danny Aiello has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Danny Aiello?
Other notable films include "The Godfather Part II", "A Question of Honor", and "Once Upon a Time in America".




